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MEMOIR 



LIFE AND SERVICES OF VICE-ADMIRAL 

SIE JAHLEEL BEENTOK, 

BARONET, K. C.B. 



EDITED BY 



THE REV. HENRY RAIKES, 



CHANCELLOR OF THE DIOCESE OF CHESTER, 




LONDON: 

HATCHARD AND SON, PICCADILLY 
SEACOME AND RRICIIARD, CPIESTER. 

1846. 



« 



4 



:>!X 



^" 



n: 



lEl^atcatton. 



TO LADY BRENTON. 

Dear Lady Brenton, 

In dedicating to you the Memoir of which I have 
been permitted to be the Editor, I cannot but feel how inadequate 
the portrait, which I have been endeavouring to sketch, must 
appear to you, to whom it now is offered. 

I undertook the work indeed, chiefly from a sense of pubhc 
duty 3 though without much hope that I should satisfy myself, 
or those by whom the charge was entrusted to me. It seemed 
fit and proper, that the world should be made acquainted with a 
character of such rare and peculiar excellence as that of your hus- 
band; and I felt that it was due to the naval service generally, and 
in particular to the younger members of it, that they should see 
how qualities of a very different kind might be combined in one 
man ; and might render him, who was the ornament of his pro- 
fession, a model of what man ought to be in every relation of life. 
My desire therefore was to do good to others, rather than to do 
justice to my subject ; and instead of dwelling, as to you might 
seem natural and proper ; on those various graces which endeared 
him to all, and to those most, who knew him best ; I have 



11 DEDICATION. 

endeavoured to shew what he was, by describing his behaviour 
under the several trials of his eventful life ; and to extend the 
benefit of his example by making it more generally known. 

I dare not suppose, therefore, that the offer of the following 
Memoir should have any other value in your eyes, than as a 
token of the affectionate remembrance, with which I dwell upon 
the character of your much loved husband. In this respect, 
had I attempted more, I should not have succeeded better ; 
for language never satisfies the requirements of the heart ; and 
you would still have felt, that the half was yet unsaid 5 after I 
had written all that I could, in endeavouring to express my 
admiration and regard. 

My chief anxiety is, that the volume may be in some degree 
acceptable to those, whose benefit has been always contemplated 
during its preparation ; and that the navy may not lose the 
benefit, which the example of Sir Jahleel Brenton is so well cal- 
culated to give. In my solicitude to secure this object, I have 
retained as much as possible of the language of the original 
memorial, which forms the basis of the narrative. I have 
sacrificed all attempt at forming a regular biography, that I 
might preserve its originality. I have allowed inequalities of 
style to remain, which may offend fastidious minds, that I might 
not weaken the effect of particular expressions j and the little I 
tliat I have ventured to add, has chiefly been done for the 
purpose of enabling readers to draw those inferences from the 
events recorded, which he, writing with another object in view, 
and regarding what was written as merely a memorial addressed 
to his children, naturally assumed as certain to be drawn by 
those for whom he wrote, and did not think it necessary to add. 



DEDICATION. Ill 

In these respects I have endeavoured to speak with the 
reserve, -which should be felt when professional questions are 
discussed by one, who is a stranger to them ; and trust, that I 
have only said, what he would have wished to have added under 
similar circumstances. It is satisfactory to me, however, to think, 
that whatever may be the deficiencies of the Memoir, it will at 
least draw attention to the man, while his qualities still linger 
in the recollection of his friends and his associates; for if the 
narrative does but lead to enquiry as to the character of the 
subject, I feel that there is no doubt as to the result that may 
be expected. 

Though I feel it necessary therefore to apologize to you for 
the very inadequate portrait that is now presented, I am not 
without hope, that under God's blessing, the exhibition of such 
a hfe may be beneficial to the world ; and if this be the case, 
I trust that you will merge private disappointment in the 
consideration of general good, and be satisfied with what is 
done, in the hope it may do good to others. As for the comfort 
to be derived from such a memorial, I know you need it not : 
and would not seek it in such monuments as man can raise. 
Your consolation under loss is drawn from higher sources, and 
needs not the support of human praise bestowed on him, who 
was dearer to you than life itself. The recollection of his holy, 
humble walk, of his work of faith, his labour of love, his cheer- 
ful submission to pain, his forgetfulness of self, and his zeal for 
the good of others, forms for you a source of comfort, which no 
human honour can equal, and no earthly possession rival. This 
is your real consolation, and to the convictions on which this 
rests, the opinion of the world can add nothing. 



IV DEDICATION. 

But though you do not look to such a memorial as this for 
the comfort that you need ; I am willing to hope, that if it should 
be the means of doing good ; if it should make the memory 
of him you loved, as beneficial as his example was, it may be 
acceptable. The great and the good live not for their own 
generation only, but for those that follow. They bequeath their 
characters to mankind ; and it seems an act of justice to them 
to collect, and to offer to public notice, the record of efforts 
which may awaken the emulation, or strengthen the faith of 
others ; and lead them to excellence by the knowledge of the 
victories atchieved by those who went before them. 

If it should please God, then, to make this imperfect notice 
of Sir Jahleel Brenton's course useful to that service of which 
he was so bright an ornament while living ; you will forgive 
the insufficiency of the representation which meets your eye ; 
and I shall be thankful, if in paying this tribute of respect to 
the memory of a friend whom I revered and loved, I can 
communicate any of his feelings to that profession, to which 
the country owes so large a debt of gratitude. 

Believe me to remain. 

Most truly and faithfully your's, 

H. RAIKES. 

Chester, Sept. 30th. 



CONTENTS. 



iNTllODUCTIOJf 



CHAPTER I. 

Settlement of the Brenton family in America, — and descent. — Birth of the 
subject of the memoir, — Breaking out of the v/ar and removal to England. 
— Education and introduction to Naval Service, in the Dido. — Passes for 
Lieutenant, and accepts an invitation to serve in the Swedish Fleet. — 
Adventures on way to join, and conclusion of service. — Appointed as 
Lieutenant to the Assurance, — Transferred to the Speedy, and sent in 
command of the Trepassey to Newfoundland. — Return to England and 
appointed to the Sybil. — Voyage homewards in the Cleopatra, and in a 
Spanish man of war from Cadiz 34 



CHAPTER II, 

Service in the Sybil. — Story of the Corfields. — Severe winter at sea. — Story 
of John Iceberg. — Invalided and comes ashore. — Applies for employment, 
and appointed to the Alliance. — Feelings on the subject. — Goes out to the 
Mediterranean. — Made known to Sir John Jervis, and appointed to the 
Gibraltar. — Storm and extreme danger of the ship. — Made First Lieutenant 
of the Aigle. — The Aigle being lost, he remains First Lieutenant to 
the Barfleur. — Interview with Lord St. Vincent and the subsequent 
decision 55 



CHAPTER III. 

Service in the Speedy. — Action with gun boats off Gibraltar. — Sent to Penon 
de Velez. — Action on the coast, and with gun boats. — His brother's death 
from wounds received in action in the Peterel. — Letter to his father. — 
Made Post, and appointed to the temporary command of the Genereux at 
Port Mahon.— Sails to Genoa 75 

b 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 



Disappointment of promotion. — Applies to Lord St. Vincent, and through him 
appointed Captain to the Caesar, under Sir James Saumarez. — Battle at 
Algesiras. — Exertions of Captain Brenton in refitting the Cassar, and 
subsequent victory. — Tempting offer of going to England with dispatches 
declined. — Definitive treaty of peace signed. — Squadron at Gibraltar . . 102 



CHAPTER V. 

Returns to England. — Recollections on the Caesar and the Chaplain. — Married 
to Miss Stewart. — Reflections on this event, made after her death.— 
Hostilities recommenced in 1801, and appointment to the command of the 
Minerve. — Dangerous accident and injury during the fitting out the frigate. 
— Sails for the coast of France. — The ship strikes off Cherbourg, and 
after a gallant defence is surrendered, July 3 123 



CHAPTER VI. 

Commencement of captivity. — Journey from Cherbourg. — Kindness of M. 
Dubois. — Arrival at Epinal 151 



CHAPTER VII. 

Removal from Epinal to Phalsburg, and thence to Verdun. — Sufferings of the 
people on the march, and efforts made for their relief and improvement. — 
The Rev. Robert Wolfe offers his services and assistance. — Mrs. Brenton 's 
arrival at Verdun. — Residence at Charni. — Illness, and permission 
granted to reside at Tours. — Conduct of the French Government towards 
the English prisoners of war 172 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Rev. Mr. Wolfe one of the detenus — hears of the state of the prisoners at 
Givet, and resolves on going to reside among them. — Extract from his work 
entitled the "British Prisoners in France," 218 



CHAPTER IX. 

.Journey to Tours, incidents on the road and residence there. — Circumstances 
attending his exchange, and return to England 255 



I 



COINTENTS. 



CHAPTEE X. 



Arrival in England, and application to the Admiralty. — Kindness of the First 
Lord of the Admiralty, IMr. Grenville. — Court martial, acquittal and 
appointment to the Spartan. — Sails to the Mediterranean. — Escape from 
capture. — Boat action with its unfortunate result, and court of enquiry 
ordered by Lord Collingwood 289 

CHAPTER XI. 

Cruize off Toulon. — Refits at Malta. — Storm off Sardinia. — Joins Lord 
Collingwood's fleet. — Disaster. — Falls in with the French Fleet at sea. — 
Exertions to convey intelligence and to watch the enemy. — Returns to 
Toulon. — Service on the coast of Italy in company with Lord Cochrane. — 
Reflections 319 

CHAPTER XII. 

Removal from the Toulon station to the Mediterranean. — Cruize off Candia, 
and in the Adriatic. — Action at Pesaro ; and official letters. — Co-operation 
with the Austrians in the Adriatic. — Letters from Lord Collingwood 
expressive of his entire satisfaction 343 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Return to Malta to refit. — Sudden offer of joining the expedition against the 
Ionian Islands as suddenly accepted. — Capture of Zante, Cephalonia, and 
Cerigo. — Approbation of Lord Collingwood. — Cruize on the coast of 
Italy. — Action off Naples, victory, and severe wound ; carried to Palermo 
and Malta. — Letters on the subject, and extract from his personal memoranda. 
— Sails for England 375 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Joined by his family. — Slow recovery from his wound. — Fresh trials from 
the failure of his agents, and actions threatened by neutrals detained. — 
Friendly interference of Mr. Abbott. — Applies to the Admiralty for 
employment, and appointed to the Stirling Castle, 1812. — Compelled by 
the state of his wound to resign the command. — IMade Baronet. — 
Appointed Naval Commissioner at Minorca. — Residence there. — Failure 
of Lady Brenton's health. — The establishment at Minorca broken up on 
the conclusion of the war. — Return to England, and appointment to the 
Dorset Yacht. — Made Naval Commissioner at the Cape 404 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Residence at the Cape. — Remarks on the advantages of Simon's Bay as a 
Naval station. — Plans for the improvement of the liberated Negroes. — 
Rapid failure of Lady Brenton's health and her death. — Reflections on it 
extracted from his private journal 430 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Reflections on the* death of Lady Brenton. — Extracts from the private 
memoranda. — Sufferings from his wound, and remarks on the subject... 471 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Narrative of a journey to the Mouth of the Knyzna, and remarks on the 
advantages of the Cape as a Colony 491 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Benevolent exertions in favour of the Negro and Hottentot population. — 
Captain Edward Brenton's plan for the restoration of juvenile delinquents. — 
Its connection with the Cape, and failure. — The establishment at Simon's 
Town broken up at the death of Buonaparte. — Return to England. — 
Temporary appointment to the Royal Charlotte Yacht. — Marriage. — 
Made Colonel of Marines. — Appointment to the Donegal. — Appointment 
as Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich Hospital, — resigns the situation, — 
residence at Casterton, — at Elford. — Sickness and death 611 



MEMOIR 



YICE ADMIEAL SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON, K. C. B. 

BARONET. 



IT may appear presumptuous in one not connected 
with tlie naval service, to attempt the biography of 
an officer so distinguished as Sir Jahleel Brenton ; 
and it may appear a graver, a less excusable offence, 
that one belonging to another profession, and that a 
profession, which requires the devotion of the whole 
mind to its own peculiar objects, should be undertaking 
an office so foreign from his usual employment and 
proper duties. I have, therefore, no hesitation in 
saying, that if Sir Jahleel Brenton had merely been 
the man, whom the world knew through the medium 
of gazettes, and the record of public services, and 
looked up to as a gallant and distinguished officer ; 
whatever might have been my feelings towards him 
as a personal friend, whatever my admiration of him 
as a public character, I never should have undertaken 
the office, which I am now attempting to discharge. 

B 



MEMOIR OF 



I must also add, that under other circumstances I 
must have shrunk from the duty, as involving enquiries 
which I had neither leisure nor means to prosecute ; 
if its labours had not been so far anticipated by docu- 
ments drawn up by his own hand, and left to his 
family ; that little more seemed left to his biographer, 
than to arrange that which was already written ; and 
to select out of a memorial designed for the benefit and 
instruction of his own children, those parts which might 
be offered to the public, without trespassing on the 
sacredness of a private, a domestic record. 

I must again mention, that I was aware that even 
this portion of my duty was anticipated, and would be 
performed in my behalf by one, who, with a single 
exception, might be regarded as most identified in 
feelings, views, and mind, with the subject of the 
memoir. 

The delicate and difficult task of selecting from a 
long and confidential memoir, written with all the 
fulness of a father's heart, and intended to be perused 
as a sort of sacred record by his children ; oftentimes 
too minute or too particular for publication ; and still 
exhibiting in general so much of the character that it 
was desired to pourtray, that it was difficult to know 
how to resist insertion ; this task was, 1 say, undertaken 
by another, who has discharged it with as much fidelity 
as discretion ; and who left nothing to me, but to 
peruse and confirm that, which had been thus arranged 
and prepared for the press. 

But even these advantages ; assisted and increased 
as they are by the aircctionatc recollections of the 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 3 

members of his own family ; while they promised to 
render the labour of the undertaking easy, would have 
been insufficient to determine me to attempt a work for 
which I was so incompetent, if I had proposed to 
offer to the public a memoir of the professional life, 
and of the naval achievements of the man whom it was 
impossible to know without honouring or loving him. 
But this seemed unnecessary to be done, and certainly 
was not to be done by me. His public services, both 
as a seaman and an officer, have been long known and 
fully appreciated by the public, and thus have had their 
appropriate record in the naval histories of the last 
war. His professional character still lives in the re- 
collection of the service. It therefore is not necessary 
that naval events should be narrated here, which have 
been better told in other places ; nor that exploits should 
be dwelt upon, which though they never can be heard 
without emotion, it may be sufficient for all present 
purposes to refer to, rather than to repeat. 

I would, therefore, beg leave to state at once, that 
the only aim I venture to propose to myself, is one 
which differs essentially from that, which has been 
generally followed by the writers of similar memoirs. 

I am not anxious to describe the subject of my 
narrative, in the form in which he was known and 
honoured by the world; but in that in which he was 
known to those who lived with him, and served 
with him ; to his family and his friends ; to the men 
who shared his hardships and dangers, as well as his 
successes and triumphs. I am not attempting to 
represent him as the man of courage, enterprise and 



4 MEMOIR OF 

decision, formed for the hour of peril and contest, 
fitted to lead and direct the energies of his service, and 
carrying every heart with him, from the enthusiasm 
which his example inspired ; but T am desirous to shew 
that those qualities, for which the world would easily 
give him credit, were united with elements of which the 
world knew little, and perhaps thought less ; but which 
had their effect in forming the general character of the 
man, and made him what he was in the different 
relations of life. I feel it due to him, and still more 
to those who may be profited by his example, to trace 
the peculiar qualities of his character to their source, 
and to shew the principles from which they flowed ; 
so that if there be in his life any thing lovely and 
of good report ; and this there is no one who ever 
knew him that can doubt ; it may be referred to its 
proper cause, and be ascribed to that, which he him- 
self knew, and felt to be the origin. 

It will be my aim, therefore, in these pages, chiefly 
to dwell on those features of mind, which though seen 
by few and observed by few, gave to his whole character 
its peculiar dignity and grace. I shall endeavour to 
shew, that the courage and enterprise, the firmness 
and self-resource which rendered him while he lived 
the ornament of his profession, were accompanied by 
qualities, not generally found in combination with these, 
but which enhanced their value, and contributed to 
their excellence ; with patience, with meekness, with 
the tendcrcst consideration for others, and the most un- 
bounded benevolence. T wish to shew, that the 
brilliancy of his pubKc life was equalled by the purity 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 5 

and correctness of his private life : that he was as 
amiable in every domestic relation, as he was admirable 
in all official duties : and still knew how to keep the 
warmth of his affections, in such subordination, that 
the call which summoned him from that home, where 
all his happiness was centered, was obeyed without a 
question or a doubt, whenever the interests of his 
country and the service required it. Above all, I wish 
to shew, that the secret, but the only cause of this 
unusual combination of qualities, not often found in his 
profession, and sometimes considered as incompatible 
with it; was that instinctive subjection of the heart 
to God, which growing as he grew, and gaining strength 
and expansion by the trials of his life, raised him from 
the state of a conscientious and upright man, to that 
of a mature and confirmed Christian ; which sustained 
him under the various difficulties and burdens of his 
lot, by teaching him to look to God in all emergencies, 
and to cast himself on His mercy under every doubt ; 
which finally regulated the enquiries which it prompted, 
and realizing the divine promises, " that the meek shall 
He guide in judgment,^^ " that God giveth grace to the 
humble," brought him through all the conflict of re- 
ligious opinions, to that simple child-like faith, which 
formed the substance of his happiness in life, as well 
as of his hope in decay. 

The description of a character such as this, together 
with a narrative of the events under which it was 
formed and perfected, may, under God's blessing, be 
made profitable to many ; and as the circumstances of 
his story are such as must interest every reader, it is 



G MEMOIR OF 

to be hoped that the memoir of such a man may be 
offered without presumption to the world at large, as 
including much that may be generally useful as well as 
amusing. But there is one class of readers to whose 
attention it may be more particularly recommended, 
and to whose improvement and welfare it is specifically 
dedicated. I mean the young aspirants to honour and 
distinction in the navy, the rising members of that 
profession, of which Sir Jahleel was so fine a specimen ; 
and for whom he always felt and expressed so strong 
and so paternal an interest. I could wish, that they 
who are taught to emulate his character as an officer, 
and who are animated by hearing of the gallantry of his 
actions, should know more of the man whom they are 
led to admire, than can be learnt from gazettes or naval 
histories ; and that they should be made acquainted 
with the real secret of the excellence which is held up 
to them as a model for imitation. I \vish that they 
should know from his example, that the most brilliant 
courage, the greatest firmness in action, and the most 
perfect self-possession in the moment of danger, are not 
only compatible with deep religious impressions, and 
personal piety ; but that they never can be looked for 
with so much confidence, nor will ever be found so 
largely developed, as when combined with these as the 
habitual principles of the life. And as example is 
generally more conclusive than theory, it seems ex- 
pc(Uent that they should above all others be reminded, 
that the man, who in his day, was the model of all we 
wish to imagine in a British officer, and a British 
seaman ; the man whose daring courage made him 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 7 

at one time the chosen associate and friend of Sir 
Sidney Smith ; who was afterwards selected by that 
acute and discriminating judge of character, Lord St. 
Vincent, out of the number of eminent and gallant 
officers around him ; and appointed to situations which 
required all the combination of naval skill and firmness ; 
was, and avowed himself to be, in the full sense of the 
word, a Christian ; confessed Christ and His words in 
every situation, and under every circumstance with 
uncompromising firmness ; and still maintained his 
profession of religion with such gentleness and dignity, 
that those who difiered from him never failed to respect 
and to love him ; and could not help venerating the 
man, even while they felt that his principles condemned 
their practice. 

In this point, indeed, a memoir of Sir Jahleel 
Brenton seems an important opportunity for bringing 
the example of such a man before the younger 
members of his profession as a model for imitation ; 
and an office which might have been urged upon me, 
as due to the memory of a deceased friend ; and might 
still have been urged in vain, to one so occupied and 
pledged to other duties; may be viewed in a different 
way, when it is considered in reference to those who 
may be benefited by acquaintance with his character, 
and are not likely to know from other sources what 
were its peculiar and distinctive qualities. 

The name and profession of the editor will, therefore, 
it is hoped preclude the possibility of disappointment 
to those, who having been attracted by the title of this 
memoir, may take up the volume as a subject of mere 



8 MEMOIR OP 

professional interest, a record of naval struggles or 
naval triumphs. The achievements of Sir Jahleel 
Brenton have been already appropriately recorded, and 
may be read elsewhere by those who wish to enquire 
into his services It is proposed to give to the public 
now, that which the public has not hitherto known^ 
but which may be profitable to general readers; and 
which must be full of value to those of his own 
profession ; the narrative of a life not unmarked with 
trial, not devoid of the interest arising from great 
dangers undergone, and great qualities of mind and 
heart evinced in meeting them ; but exhibiting in the 
midst of these, and of other circumstances not less 
perplexing or less afflicting ; that consistency of moral 
conduct, that steady persevering patience, that cheerful 
hope, and child-like submission to the will of God, 
and above all, that uniform and prevailing benevolence 
of spirit, which belong to the Christian character, and 
which flow from the one single principle of Christian 
faith. That the union of these qualities may be 
seen in many individuals at present in the royal navy, 
1 am thankful to believe and know ; but their oc- 
currence is not so general as to render example useless ; 
while we also know, that men are more easily led to 
imitate the practice of one, who has taken his place 
in the annals of his country, than that of contem- 
poraries; and that no line of conduct can be so safely 
recommended for adoption, as that which has already 
won the esteem and admiration of the world. I trust, 
therefore, tliat the memoir of such an officer as Sir 
Jahleol Jircnton may be no unacceptable offering to a 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 9 

service, which must ever be regarded with the deepest 
gratitude and interest, as the instrument of God^s 
protecting providence to this country, and as the 
means of enlarging its beneficial influence ; and I hope 
that the hours, withdrawn from other duties and given 
to this, have been transferred rather than stolen, and 
transferred to purposes of wider usefulness and more 
extensive good, than those which belong to ordinary 
employment. 

In my own profession, the biography of pious and 
devoted men has long been regarded as one of the 
most profitable lines of reading. It has been felt that 
the knowledge of truth is likely to be most effective 
when combined with its application, and exhibited in 
practice ; and as example is generally admitted to 
be more powerM than precept, and men are more 
easily led to imitate than to obey ; the memorials of 
those who have been eminent for zeal and holiness 
in the work of the ministry, have been multiplied 
largely of late years, and are recommended with 
confidence as among the most effectual means of raising 
the tone of feeling and determining the line of practice 
among the clergy. In this respect, every year adds 
to the resources of the church. Those who are re- 
moved from this field of labour testify to the living. 
One generation contributes the encouragement of its 
experience to the other ; and each pious, faithful, and 
zealous minister, whose labour and self-devotion are 
commemorated in this way, leaves in the record of his 
example that which may strengthen the faith, or sti- 
mulate the energies of those who are to follow him. 



10 MEMOIR OF 

But while the church as a profession, is receiving 
this increasing advantage, and sees its means of im- 
provement enlarged by the recollections of those who 
are removed from their field of suffering or of labour ; 
there is reason to presume that other professions are 
not equally benefited by the biographies of their dis- 
tinguished members. They also have their memorials. 
The world is anxious to learn the particulars of their 
early life and education, as well as of their subsequent 
achievements ; and those who are called to imitate 
their example or to rival their exertions, are naturally 
desirous to study the secret of their excellence in the 
causes which conduced to it. But in cases such as 
these, in the narratives of men who have been dis- 
tinguished in the naval and military services, or even 
in the profession of law or medicine, it is natural that 
professional excellence should form the chief object of 
attention to those who write, as it is probable it will 
be the chief object of interest to those who read. The 
soldier and the sailor, the lawyer and the physician 
are described, rather than the man ; and the qualities 
which raised the individual to distinction, are in these 
cases so separate from those, which formed his value 
as a man, that it is possible the latter may be wholly 
lost sight of, while every effort is being made to do 
justice to the former. There is danger, therefore, 
in all such memorials, that much that is great and 
good ill tlie individual, may be merged in the merits 
of the officer, or in the brilliancy of the career pursued 
in practice ; and that private excellence, that which 
constitutes tlic real foundation of the man's value, and 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 1 1 

makes his life most profitable as an example, may be 
lost sight of, while justice is being done to that which 
only made him an ornament to his profession, or an 
instrument of national advancement. 

In a clergyman on the contrary, the chief if not 
the only claim that he can possess on the recollection 
of others, the only sense in which his life can be 
held up as an example to those of his own profession, 
consists in his personal piety ; in the remembrance of 
that eminence to which the grace of God had raised 
him, as a holy, humble-minded, faithful man ; and that 
is, therefore, told of him, and that is dwelt upon in 
him, which it is most useful for other men to know, 
but which is equally and alike useful to all of every 
profession and of every rank. The world estimates its 
heroes by a different rule, and looks in consequence to 
qualities of a different kind. It dwells on that which 
is professional to the exclusion of that which is personal. 
It dwells on those things which catch the eye, and fill 
the ear, and arrest the imagination ; while that which 
passes within, that which constitutes moral eminence, 
and which renders a man a model for a Christian to 
follow, is overlooked in the more exciting narrative 
of contests for distinction, as irrelevant to the character 
which is being exhibited ; and thus, the benefit of 
example, in cases such as these, is lost to men, because 
men are more interested in results, than in causes : 
in the things that have been done, than in the principles 
of those who did them ; and regard the subjects of 
biography as successful candidates for the world's 
applause, rather than as models for private imitation. 



12 MEMOIR OF 

It has also sometimes happened, that rehgious feel- 
ings, when strongly developed, have led a man to 
withdraw from the active duties of his profession, 
either in the army or navy ; and have made his 
example less profitable to others, by making it less 
peculiar, less specific than it would have been, if he 
had continued where he was ; and thus, these pro- 
fessions have lost a benefit, which seemed to be their 
right, by losing those individuals whose moral character 
would have reflected additional lustre on their public 
services. It is impossible, indeed, to deny that the 
first impulse of strong religious conviction, must lead 
a man to wish to withdraw from every thing that 
separates him from God ; and to live to Him alone, 
whom he has now found to be alone worth living for. 
It is equally certain, that the fear of falling back, 
the dread of being entangled again in sins, which the 
soul has learnt to hate, may reasonably lead a man to 
fly from associations, which he knows from experience 
to be dangerous ; and to endeavour to secure his own 
weakness by saving it from exposure. Excellent men 
are continually found arguing and acting in this 
manner; and where the grounds are so reasonable, 
and the object at stake of such incalculable importance, 
it is not easy to resist or to controvert their plea. 
But if some feel it necessary to quit the field, and 
to withdraw from a contest they are unfit to meet, or 
in which they see reason to distrust their means of 
standing firm ; the greater must be our gratitude for 
those who venture to remain, and who dare to be 
strong in tlic Lord, and in the power of His might. 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 13 

The testimony that they then bear, is one of pecuKar 
value ; and we may venture to hope, that where the 
danger is considered before it is braved, and man only 
exposes himself from the conviction of duty, and 
under the confidence of support from heaven, he will 
not be allowed to fail. As his days are, so shall 
his strength be ; and we may trust that God, who 
sees the principle on which the man continues at the 
post of danger, will not forsake His faithful sentinel, 
but will make His grace sufficient for his trial, and 
cause his own strength to be perfected in the weakness 
of His servant. 

On tliis principle we cannot doubt, that the determi- 
nation to which Colonel Gardiner came, and in which 
he was encouraged by the excellent Doddridge, to 
continue in his original calling, and not to quit the 
army when he came under deep convictions of religion, 
has rendered him a far greater blessing to the world, 
than he could have been, had he yielded to his first 
impressions, and left the service. His memoir would 
in that case have remained a record of the unspeakable 
goodness of God. He might have edified the world 
by the piety of his life, and he might have been named 
to succeeding generations as a monument of Divine 
Grace, rescuing man from the bondage of sin, and 
plucking him Hke a brand out of the fire. But the 
memoir, as it now stands, is rendered still more 
valuable by the testimony of his later Hfe, and by 
the evidence it contains to that faith by which he 
lived ; and the power of the grace of God is manifested 
more signally in upholding him amidst the opposition 



14 MEMOIR OF 

which he at one time thought himself incapable of 
meeting, than in enabling him to % from it at first. 
Whatever might have been thought then of Colonel 
Gardiner's determination at the time, there can be 
no doubt, that Christ was more nobly confessed in the 
midst of a sinful and adulterous generation, than He 
could have been in the retirement of religious life ; 
and that the doctrine of the gospel was more visibly 
adorned by the example of one, who lived in the world 
without belonging to the world, than it could have been 
by the piety which withdrew its subject from general 
observation, and led him to seek security by withdrawing 
from the scene of temptation. But it is obvious that 
tho value of such memoirs is enhanced by their rarity. 
Probably from the causes which have been enumerated, 
the narratives which exhibit the moral and religious 
character of men belonging to the army or navy are 
comparatively few ; and those professions in consequence 
lack the benefit, which example and experience offer in 
other cases. 

But the loss is not confined to them. There are 
reasons why it may be regarded as a general, a public 
loss ; and why all may have cause to regret that which 
seems to be a professional want. Whether it be that the 
character of these two professions, whether it be that 
the familiarity with danger, the necessity for energetic 
action and quick decision, carries into the religion they 
profess, something of its own nature, and leaves its 
own particular stamp and impress on its qualities ; it 
seems admitted, that the men who have been called 
by tlic gnice of God to a profession of religion, under 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 1 5 

such circumstances, have been, generally speaking, 
marked and decided Christians. It was a centurion 
of the Roman army to whom Christ bore that noble 
testimony, that " He had not found so great faith, 
no not in Israel ; and we may reasonably think that 
that power of grace which sets the soul at liberty in 
cases such as his, and enables it to break the ties by 
which it has been bound, may go on and carry 
it to higher attainments than are accessible to other 
men. But it may be also confidently asserted, 
that if the' testimony which is there borne to truth, 
is not more clear and decided than in common in- 
stances, it is more unquestioned and more unques- 
tionable. The statement that comes from one, born 
and bred under the influence of religion, is always 
Hable to suspicion. It probably may bear upon its 
surface some traces of the work of man, in the tone 
which education has given to the habits of the mind, 
to the language and opinions ; and in that respect, 
it may seem to want the simplicity which belongs to 
the works of God, and which shews the source from 
which the impressions spring. But let the tone of 
religion be what it may, it carries a sort of professional 
stamp upon it, and is less appreciated than it ought 
to be, whenever men think that it is the effect of 
circumstances, the result of care, and that it could 
not have been otherwise. On the other hand, when- 
ever it happens that conviction is effected under 
difierent circumstances, when religion is found gro wing- 
where it was least expected, and where it is obvious 
that there was nothing to favour or encourage it ; 



1 6 MEMOIR OP 

when it is found taking its stand in the midst of 
opposition and rebuke ; overcoming the world by a 
power which is not of the world, and which the world 
cannot understand ; and enabling a man to resist the 
persecution of which the world is most sensitive, the 
persecution of ridicule and contempt, exercised by 
associates or superiors, and applied with little con- 
sideration or regard for feeling ; when this is seen 
to be the case, then we cannot be sm^prised, if the 
world is convinced that an influence more than human 
is at work ; while it sees that done, which seems to 
be impossible to man ; and men are compelled to feel 
that it is the power of God by which the change 
is effected, while they see a change accomplished, which 
to them, and according to their own views and feelings, 
is nothing less than miraculous. The unwillingness of 
the heart to admit a truth which involves its own 
condemnation, will naturally induce men to suppress 
the acknowledgement of what they feel on such oc- 
casions. But the conviction may be deep, though 
no confession follows. The testimony which is borne 
to truth under circumstances such as these, will possess 
an authority and weight which nothing else can give, 
from a sacred and unuttcrcd reverence of the power 
that has produced it ; and the results may be perceived 
at distant times and in distant places, when the facts 
had been forgotten by all, except the persons who had 
appeared at first most opposed or most indifferent. 

But beyond these reasons, which may shew the I 
value of tlie memoirs of men belonging to the naval 
and military professions, it cannot be denied that the 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 1 7 

situations in which such men are placed, and those 
quaHties which may be called their professional qualities^ 
must add an interest to the narrative ; and make their 
examples more profitable, in proportion as their lives 
have been more interesting. The narrative of hard- 
ships endured, of dangers braved, has always been one 
of the most legitimate sources of delight. The descrip- 
tion of man rising superior to the fear which overcomes 
and subjugates others ; daring things, from which 
other men shrink ; and making a way through diffi- 
culties which seemed insuperable ; has ever possessed 
a charm which no other narrative could rival ; and 
while human nature remains what it is, and the world 
is constituted as it is, the qualities of courage, energy, 
and activity, will give an interest to the character with 
general readers, which the higher graces of humility, 
patience, and love might be incapable of imparting. 
But as it is important that truth should be presented in 
the form most likely to secure its acceptance, no oppor- 
tunity should be lost which offers religion to the eyes of 
the world in the history of those, whom it respects and 
admires for excellencies of another kind ; and whenever 
religion is combined with these, it is little less than an 
absolute duty to give publicity to the character, and to 
admit the world to benefit by the example. 

Whatever then be the quality which excites admira- 
tion, whether it be professional talent, or intellectual 
superiority; or whether it be simply that energy of 
mind which enables man to overcome difficulties and to 
struggle through trials; the certainty that the exhibi- 
tion of such a character will be read with interest, 

c 



Ig MEMOIR OF 

makes it valuable as a yehicle for truth ; and renders it 
desirable that such a vehicle should be improved. But 
we must also feel that of all the various qualities which 
have this effect, and which may in consequence be turned 
to such a purpose, there is hardly one which arrests atten- 
tion so generally, and carries so much interest with it 
to common readers, as boldness or contempt of danger. 
All men cannot appreciate the higher qualities of 
mind, the powers of reasoning or imagination, which 
lead to literary or political eminence; but all seem 
capable of understand! ag the value of that sort of firm- 
ness which enables man to bear hardships, or to rise 
superior to fear. It thus has happened, that in all 
works of fiction, courage has been the principal feature 
of the character held up to admiration, and cowardice 
has always been regarded as the reverse ; while we 
know that in real life, no narratives have been so 
acceptable to general readers, as those which described 
dangers and hardships met and overcome by the firm- 
ness and energy of those, who were exposed to them. 

There need therefore be no hesitation in saying, that 
as every thing which raises man above the weaknesses 
of his nature, adds dignity to his character ; the con- 
tempt of danger must always entitle him to respect; 
and this feeling which adds a sort of grandeur to the 
bad, gives a sort of heroic magnificence to the good. 

But while we believe that this admiration of courage 
is inherent in our very nature, and is felt even by those 
who arc unwilling to confess it; we cannot be surprised 
if tlio admiration which is due to courage, comes gra- 
<hially to be limited to sucli courage as a Christian is 



I 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 19 

capable of exercising. The boldness which shuts its 
eye on danger, and rushes on destruction, may astonish, 
but it cannot continue to interest the mind, because it 
does not satisfy the reason. Men gradually cool on 
their impressions, and begin to calculate instead of 
wondering. They examine the principle of the action 
which is set before them. They compare the risk run 
with the advantage to be gained ; and if they find the 
risk infinitely exceeding the value of the prize, or per- 
ceive that it was braved under the mere impulse of 
passion, in defiance of reason rather than in subordina- 
tion to reason; they learn to separate the courage of 
the animal from that of the man, and expect that the 
boldness of the latter should be regulated by that which 
is the glory of his nature; and that even his daring 
should be reasonable in order that it should be honoured. 
In this way the world distinguishes the frenzy of the 
drunkard, or that recklessness of life which is found 
in the infuriated savage, from the well ordered deli- 
berate firmness, with which a disciplined mind meets 
every emergency of trial ; and refuses the very name 
of courage to the madness, which rushes on death, 
from the mere impulse of excited passion. 

But under circumstances which seem more favour- 
able ; after the first comparison has been made between 
the object sought and the danger run; and there has 
been found reason enough to justify the exposure 
according to the world's principles ; another comparison 
is apt to follow, which is conducted on Christian prin- 
ciples, and subjects courage, or contempt of death, to 
a difierent analysis. To a Christian mind death is 



20 MEMOIR OF 

invariably connected with the judgment that is to 
follow. Viewed as the end of the present state of 
being, it is necessarily considered as the entrance to 
that which must succeed it ; and an event which puts a 
close to the concerns of time, carries the mind, by an 
inference which cannot be resisted, to the contemplation 
of eternity. But he, who has allowed his imagination 
to dwell on the secrets of that unexplored abyss, which 
commences when life ceases ; and has weighed calmly 
and deliberately the value of things that are infinite and 
eternal ; turns back to life with a conviction which cannot 
be uttered of the vanity and nothingness of temporal 
objects, when once compared with those which are to 
come hereafter. To him, the eagerness with which the 
world is pursuing the various prizes of gain, honour, 
pleasure, wealth, seems nothing less than madness ; 
and all that is called good, and all that is called evil 
among men, will shrink into nothing, in comparison with 
the good and evil with which he has been conversant in 
meditating on the prospects of eternity. 

To such a man, death appears in a very different 
character from that in which it is viewed by the savage, 
or by man, when his moral state resembles that of the 
savage. Death thenceforth may be braved, but it 
cannot be despised. At the call of duty it will be met 
without hesitation ; but it will not be met with indiffer- 
ence or carelessness. The man who meets it will know 
what cause there is to fear it ; though he may be able 
to rise above the sense of fear, and despise it. But the I 
victory wliicli lie tlms gains over fear, the principle by 
wliicli lie overcomes the terrors with which he has 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 21 

become acquainted, must be the result of very different 
elements from those which he acted on before; and 
must be formed in a very different manner from that 
which constituted courage in a less enlightened state 
of mind. 

Now, that there are means of doing this; that the 
gospel offers to man, what may be called the whole 
armour of God ; that the power of meeting and over- 
coming him, who is called the King of Terrors, may be 
possessed, and has been, and is continually exercised by 
those who seem the weakest of our race, is happily a 
subject of such general notoriety, that it does not 
require a proof or explanation. But till this power 
is acquired ; until these means of victory are possessed ; 
the contingency, the inevitable contingency, in every 
case where life is risked, involves such awful conse- 
quences; that the mind may be justified in shrinking 
from the prospect of danger, where the loss of life must 
be followed by the destruction of the soul ; and even the 
narrative of perils becomes too painful to be a source of 
pleasure to the reader. Courage under such circum- 
stances may be an object of wonder, but it cannot be a 
legitimate object of admiration ; and the reader must 
shudder while contemplating results, on which men 
rushed without thought or preparation; and dangers, 
which were boldly braved, merely because they were 
not understood. 

The impression made is widely different, when self- 
possession and calmness in the midst of danger, are 
regarded as the effects of faith ; and man is seen rising- 
superior to the fear of death, because he feels that he is 



22 MEMOIR OF 

raised above its power. This is Christian heroism ; and 
compared with this, all other heroism sinks into feelings 
which cannot be reconciled with reason, or be recom- 
mended for imitation. 

I admit that it may be thought the interest of States 
to encourage and foment a courage of another and a lower 
kind, even that animal courage which rushes upon danger 
without consideration, and shuts its eyes on the real 
nature of the evil that is braved. The pride of men 
may be gratified by the imagination of superiority 
above other men, which this indifference to danger 
gives them; or by the distinctions to which it leads; 
and the world may concur in admiring that which 
feeds or flatters the imagination. But reason, sooner 
or later, must be heard; and reason will gradually 
make itself heard, in a voice which cannot be resisted ; 
and reason must refuse its sanction to a judgment 
which teaches men to throw away eternity for a tem- 
poral advantage; and encourages the exposure of the 
soul to consequences, the amount of which cannot be 
calculated. 

And yet, let it not be supposed, that courage loses its 
real character, because the occasion for its display is 
mistaken by the world at large; or that the effect of 
religion is to make men cowards. So far from this 
being tlie case, courage, even courage of the highest 
kind, is not only indirectly inculcated, but is absolutely 
commanded in the gospel ; commanded by Him whose 
word is truth, and who alone can enable his servants to 
do that, which He in His wisdom sees fit to command. 
Tlic only (lifTorencc is, that the courage which the 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 23 

gospel teaches is reasonable in its exercise ; a courage, 
which has reason on its side, and aims at nothing which 
cannot be justified; which only despises death, because 
it has seen that death need not be feared ; and only 
defies suffering, from the conviction that it is to be 
borne as submission to the will of God. 

Acting under these principles the Christian hears 
his blessed Master say, " Fear not them who can kill 
the body, and after that have no more that they can 
do;" and feels his heart respond to the exhortation. 
He reads the experience of the Psalmist, " Though I 
walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will 
fear no evil, for Thou art with me ;" and he rejoices to 
think, that he can anticipate the same support in cor- 
responding circumstances. He hears the apostle say, 
" Add to your faith, courage f and the faith by which 
he walks, and by which he overcomes the world, raises 
him above the power of the world^s disturbances : and 
thus, in those things which are, and must be the causes 
of alarm and terror to men in general, he feels himself a 
conqueror, and more than a conqueror, through Him 
that loved him. With him then it is no struggle to 
rise superior to the fear of death, for it is habitual to 
him to despise it. The sting is taken out, its terrors 
are gone ; and Christ, who commands him not to fear 
death, has delivered him from its power. 

If the Christian, therefore, is not only encouraged 
against fear, but is actually commanded not to fear ; if 
he is taught to regard courage as a duty ; and to glorify 
the Master whom he serves, by the firmness with 
which he overcomes that, from which other men are 



24 MEMOIR OF 

shrinking; we see that it is not without reason that he 
is daring; and that he is bold in the midst of danger, 
only because he is superior to it. 

High as the standard is, which the gospel proposes ; 
and much as it exceeds all the bearings of the mind in 
general, it is as reasonable as it is lofty. The grounds 
on which the duty is enforced are unquestionable and 
undeniable ; and man cannot dare too much when he 
only dares according to this direction. 

One great advantage therefore with biographies like 
the present, consists in the exhibition which they offer 
of courage, based on Christian principles, and regulated 
by Christian feeling ; and there are special reasons why 
this connexion between courage and Christian principle 
should be traced and noticed. It is hardly possible to 
doubt, that the first effect of religious impressions on a 
mind previously untouched and unenlightened, will be 
to awaken such a sense of the importance of things 
spiritual and eternal, as will overpower all other feel- 
ings, and overwhelm the mind with the discoveries 
which have been made. The soul then, for the first 
time perhaps, becomes an object of anxiety to the man, 
who previously had never given it a serious thought. 
The vague inexplicable fear of death, of which he had 
been always conscious, grows then into a firm and 
settled conviction, that of all objects, death is the most 
tremendous; since it is obvious that its consequences 
may be the most awful. He feels that with such a 
subject it is madness to tiifle, and folly to be indiffer- 
ent. His former carelessness is regarded with wonder 
and astonislimcnt; and tlie mind is lost and bewildered 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 25 

in endeavouring to comprehend the truths which have 
thus suddenly burst upon it, and which seem too 
tremendous to be contemplated. 

In fact, such is the character of those truths which 
religion includes, and which, on such an occasion, we 
suppose to be suddenly and powerfully revealed, that it 
would seem probable that the equilibrium of the mind 
should be disturbed by their discovery ; and that every 
consideration should be lost sight of, in comparison with 
the one great question, " What shall I do to be saved." 
That such should be the effect seems natural, reason^ 
able, and probable ; and if it did not generally happen, 
that a fresh and livelier sense of duty is awakened at the 
same moment, when these impressions are produced; 
and that conscience becomes more active, as a sense of 
responsibility is formed; it might have seemed inevita- 
ble, that the first burst of religious feeling should 
weaken and unnerve the man, and lead' him to fly from 
an exposure which he had learnt to fear, without 
consideration of the consequences that might follow. 
Whatever may be the ♦causes which regulate the first 
impulse of these religious feelings, it is satisfactory to 
know from experience, that this excessive and violent 
action is seldom exhibited. The moral character is 
generally strengthened in proportion as the conscience 
is awakened ; and the faith is strengthened, and the man 
gains firmness in the perception of every relative duty, 
in the same degree in which he is brought under the in- 
fluence of religion. To this it must also be added, that 
the impressions which the gospel forms, are not those of 
fear alone, even when the conscience is most strongly 



26 MEMOIR OF 

touched ; and that terror, in a Christian's view, is never 
so entirely separated from hope, as to justify any des- 
perate or violent departures from ordinary practice. 
" We have not received the spirit of bondage again to 
fear, but we have received the spirit of adoption, 
whereby we cry Abba Father :" and this, which forms 
the comfort of the advanced Christian, is not without 
its effect in mitigating the first agonies of conviction 
in the convert. Duties are recognized, while every 
thing else is forgotten ; and men feel that whatever 
may be their anxiety about their souls, their salvation 
will not be forwarded by the neglect of that which 
they see and know the}'' ought to do. 

There is in truth a sort of general conviction in men, 
that if religion merely taught them what they had to 
fear, and did not combine with that the knowledge of 
what they have to hope ; if it awakened us to a sense 
of our responsibility, without shewing how the claims of 
that responsibility had been met, it would have been a 
gift of very questionable value; for in that case it 
would have darkened all the present scene of trial, 
without shewing an horizon on which a better light 
was falling. It thus happens, that though the 
effect of first impressions may be to awaken fear ; 
the effect which follows, when these impressions 
are retained and improved, is to relieve or remove fear ; 
and every subsequent advance in knowledge, has a 
direct tendency to cast out fear, to substitute love as 
the principle of action, and to make hope the character 
of tlic mind, until hope rises to the very level of 
assurance. 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 27 

Those therefore, who think that rehgion is Kkely to 
unnerve the man, and to unfit him for the hour of 
danger, by making him aware of the reason there is for 
fearing death: betray their ignorance of the subject ; 
and shew how httle they are acquainted with the prin- 
ciple they are traducing. All men know enough to 
make them afraid of death. Independent of any 
sufferings which the body may undergo, there is a 
shrinking from extinction, which belongs to our very 
nature ; and is found acting with almost equal influence 
in every member of the human race ; except in the few 
and rare cases where man has sunk himself to the level 
of the brute ; and thus it is evident that man needs not 
the light which religion gives, in order to fly from that 
which human nature dreads. But this feeling, the fear 
of death, which religion does not create, she can regu- 
late, control, and conquer ; and while all men in their 
hearts feel the fear of death, and are obliged to close 
their eyes against their own convictions, or to harden 
their hearts by habitual submission to other principles, 
while pretending to despise it; the Christian alone is 
capable of looking forward to death with calmness, and 
of exercising a deliberate and rational contempt of it. 

So long then as the present state of things exists ; so 
long as the blessings of peace are to be preserved by 
war ; and the security and the comforts of the many 
are to be purchased by the exposure of the few ; there 
must be professions where the call of duty may imply 
the risk of life, and where courage must be the 
character of the men who belong to them. Courage 
will then become a duty ; and men must be found by 



28 MEMOIR OF 

whom death shall be braved without hesitation, when- 
ever the interests of the service require it. 

But a Christian community, while it admits this pain- 
ful necessity, and tracing the origin of wars and fightings 
to the lusts which war in our members, sees in them the 
marks of the universal corruption of our nature ; and 
looks on war as the disgrace rather than the glory of 
man ; must still feel anxious, that the courage which 
it cherishes and honours as the means of national 
security, should be the courage formed on those bright 
and lofty principles, which shall discharge its duty to 
the public most effectually, without any unjustifiable 
risk to the individual. There is an obvious necessity 
that the public peace should be protected ; but there still 
may be a question, whether this protection may not be 
too dearly purchased ; if a limited measure of temporal 
advantages were to occasion the loss of an eternity of 
happiness to those by whom it is preserved. 

It is surely no idle refinement, no morbid spirit of ar- 
gument, which compares an infinite loss occurring to an 
individual, with a definite and limited loss occasioned to 
the community of wdiich he forms a part. Men have 
not hesitated to say, that the security of property 
would be purchased at a price too dear, if it was to be 
maintained by capital punishment ; and if political wis- 
dom condescends to note the value of an individual life, 
can it, with any consistency, deny the value of an 
individual soul? 

A Christian community is, therefore, not only 
justified in taking every measure, which may raise the 
jnoral character of those employed in its defence, and 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 29 

may make them bold and courageous upon principle ; but 
it is also bound to use every means which may render 
those whom it exposes, as superior to the power of 
death, as they are, or endeayour to be, to its terrors. 

It is easy to state the almost insuperable difficulties 
which here at once present themselves. The habits of 
life, which have rendered the military and naval 
professions proverbial, and which seem inseparable 
from their position in society; the withdrawal from 
domestic ties, and from all the usual restraints of the 
tendencies of men; these may be named at once, as 
rendering the attempt at such a moral improvement 
chimerical; and these will long continue to render its 
accomplishment difficult. In the meantime the world 
at large, either indifferent to the consequences, or 
despairing of a cure, have found it a much cheaper, and 
a much more compendious way, to teach their defenders 
to forget death, than to endeavour to prepare them to 
despise it; and lamentable as it is to say, grave men, 
and men who were thought wise men, have argued as 
if it was necessary that men should be immoral in 
order that they might be brave ; and have tried to 
shew that it was expedient that thousands should be 
eternally miserable, in order that some temporary 
advantage might be achieved by their exertions. 

But the difficulty of a work does not imply that it is 
impracticable. Something may be done, if all cannot 
be accomplished : and Avherever any great and undeni- 
able evil exists in society, it is so obviously the will of 
God, that it should be abated or removed; that man 
ought to think of nothing, but the means of attempting 



30 MEMOIR OF 

that, which he may leave to the power of God to 
perform. 

It is therefore manifestly expedient that men en- 
gaged in those professions, where life is of necessity 
most exposed, should be prepared to meet death with 
firmness. The world has its nostrums for effecting this 
object, and these it is always ready to supply. It has 
a sense of honour for the high-minded and noble. It 
has levity and carelessness for the unthinking. It has 
brutish indifference for the multitude. With one or 
other of these, it drugs the men, who are to be the pro- 
tectors of their country's welfare ; and sends them forth 
to danger, like those who are blinded and intoxicated. 
We admit the efiicacy of the means, but we are com- 
pelled to feel that the remedy is worse than the dis- 
ease : and we dare not purchase courage for our soldiers 
and sailors, at a price which compromises all the highest 
hopes of man. 

Without dwelling at present on other resources for 
accomplishing this important end ; on resources, which 
might be made to act directly on the habits of these 
professions; it seems that example might in some 
respect be more beneficial than precept; and that the 
narrative of one, who exhibited, in his public life and 
conduct the model of what a British officer should be, 
while he was, at the same time, in the full sense of 
the word, a Christian ; of one, who might have been 
described through life as " sans peur et sans reproche /' 
and who became the ornament of his service, while 
living in close communion with his God; might be 
useful to others, as shewing that religious principles and 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 31 

professional excellence are not incompatible ; and might 
encourage the young to pursue a course which should 
make them all that their profession implies, and all 
that their country can require, without forfeiting that 
inward peace, and that future hope, which belong to 
the true Christian, and make up the sum of his privileges, 
as well as the substance of his character. 

To those who knew Sir Jahleel Brenton, or who can 
now recall the singular combination of qualities which 
formed his character ; qualities which impressed respect 
while they concihated the affection of every one around 
him ; it is unnecessary to dwell upon features not hkely 
to be forgotten. But it still may be useful to remind 
others, and especially those who may be tempted, in 
running over the following pages, to smile at the tone in 
which this great and good man speaks, when occupied 
with questions of a rehgious nature ; that there have been 
few men, whom an Englishman would have been more 
desirous, on any occasion of importance, to put forward, 
as the representative of his country, than the subject of 
this memoir. The description which the great historian 
of Rome applied to the man whose merits he has 
immortalized by his biography, might have been ^Yith 
equal justice applied to him, " Bonum virum facile cre- 
deres, magnum lihenter." Goodness seemed to belong- 
to him; and it sate so easily on him, that it coloured 
every word, and look, and gesture. No one ever met 
him, without feeling convinced that the qualities which 
conciliated and pleased, were in his case not the inci- 
dental expression of a courtesy assumed to serve a par- 
ticular purpose; but that they were qualities on which 



32 MEMOIR OF 

dependence might be placed, as exhibiting the real feel- 
ings of the man ; dignified, and yet kind ; indulgent to 
others, and yet firm in principle ; as playful in the hour 
of repose, as decided and energetic in the time of peril. 
Carrying with him, in the stores of a well disciplined 
mind, and a refined taste, ample resources for profitable 
conversation, he was fitted to take his place in any form 
of society, and would have done justice to any situation 
to which his country could have called him; while his 
coTmtry might also have felt, that the man selected to 
represent her character, and to maintain her claims, 
would have also been what few could be ; would have 
been the Christian representative of a Christian people ; 
and would have shewn the lustre which consistent 
religion spreads over that which is admirable in 
man, by the effect produced on his own life and 
conversation. 

To prolong the memory of such a man seems nothing 
less than a duty. To extend the knowledge of his 
excellence ; and before that knowledge is effaced by 
the competition of other claimants for distinction, to 
shew the secret springs of the excellence which is 
admired; to trace to its real source, all that in him was 
distinctive and peculiar; to shew that it was to the 
grace of God, and to that alone, he owed the combina- 
tion of qualities so rarely met with as united, and so much 
liciglitcncd in value by combination ; to encourage 
imitation by example; and to hold up to the future 
defenders of our country, one, whom they may be 
proud to follow in the course of service, and whom it 
will be their liai)pincss to imitate in private life ; this 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 33 

seems a debt, which every one who feels the blessings of 
securitj he owes to their exertions, and who glories in 
his countrj^s honour, should endeavour to discharge. 

Conscious of mj own inadequacy for the office, which 
1 am describing, I am still sustained by the hope that 
the reader will afterwards learn what the writer cannot 
teach; that inferences will be drawn, and conclusions 
formed fi^om the narrative, which shall reahze the pur- 
pose with which it has been undertaken ; and that the 
familiar acquaintance that may be gained by admission 
to the private thoughts and feehngs of so good and 
great a man as Sir Jahleel Brenton, may lead many a 
mind to adopt the sentiments which are here recorded, 
and that many a high-spirited and gallant youth may 
be induced by his example to follow the steps of one 
who never forgot his God, while engaged in his country's 
service ; and was as faithful to his Saviour as he was 
obedient to the call of duty. 



34 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 



CHAPTER I. 



SETTLEMENT OF THE BRENTON FAMILY IN AMERICA, — AND DESCENT. — BIRTH OP 
THE SUBJECT OF THE MEMOIR. — BREAKING OUT OF THE WAR AND REMOVAL TO 
ENGLAND. — EDUCATION AND INTRODUCTION TO NAVAL SERVICE, IN THE DIDO. 
— PASSES FOR LIEUTENANT, AND ACCEPTS AN INVITATION TO SERVE IN THE 
SWEDISH FLEET. — ADVENTURES ON WAY TO JOIN, AND CONCLUSION OF SER- 
VICE. — APPOINTED AS LIEUTENANT TO THE ASSURANCE. — TRANSFERRED TO 
THE SPEEDY, AND SENT ON COMMAND OF THE TREPASSEY TO NEWFOUND- 
LAND. — RETURN TO ENGLAND AND APPOINTED TO THE SYBIL. — VOYAGE HOME- 
WARDS IN THE CLEOPATRA, AND IN A SPANISH MAN OF WAR FROM 
CADIZ. 



Sir Jahleel Brenton was the eldest son of Rear 
Admiral Brenton, a native of Rhode Island. The 
family appear to have emigrated to America in the 
early part of the reign of Charles the First, probably 
from apprehension of the coming troubles of the times. 
William Brenton, who settled as a merchant at Boston, 
in Massachusets, about the year 1634, came from Ham- 
mersmith, in England. He must have been a person of 
some wealth and consideration, as he became a free- 
man, and a select man of the Colony, the same year ; 
and in the following year, 1()35, was chosen a deputy 
of the general court. He afterwards removed to 
Rhode Island, and then returned to England, from 
whence he finally removed from Hammersmith, with 
his whole family, consisting of three sons, Jahleel, Wil- 
liam, and John, and settled at Newport, in Rhode 



Chap. I. SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 35 

Island. In 1663 he became Deputy Governor of 
the Colony of Rhode Island, and Providence Planta- 
tions in New England, under the charter granted to 
that Colony by Charles the Second, in the fourteenth 
year of his reign. In 1667-8 he became Governor 
of the Colony, and died in the year 1674. 

Jahleel, his eldest son, resided in Newport, Rhode 
Island. A great part of his father's property was 
bequeathed to him; and in the year 1691 he was 
appointed by commission, in the second year of William 
and Mary, Collector, Surveyor, and Searcher of the 
Customs within the Colonies of New England. 

Wilham, the second son, great grandfather to the sub- 
ject of the present memoir, took up his residence either 
at Taunton in Massachusets, or at Bristol in Rhode 
island, though some doubts exist as to which of these 
places became his home. He married Martha Church, 
by whom he had three sons, Jahleel (grandfather to 
the Baronet), Ebenezer, and Benjamin. 

Of John Brenton, the third son of William, nothing- 
farther is known except that he went to a settlement 
called Bellevoir, in New England; and was not after- 
wards heard of. 

Jahleel, the collector, died at Newport unmarried, 
about the year 1732, and bequeathed the greater part 
of his large estates in New England to his nephew 
Jahleel, who had married in the year 1714-15, Frances, 
daughter of Samuel Cranstoun, who was Governor of 
the Colony, and who died in 1727, aged 68 years. He 
was the son of John Cranstoun, the former Governor of 
the Colony, who was lineally descended from the Scottish 



36 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

Baron, James Lord Cranstoun, as appears by the 
inscription on his tombstone in the churchyard at 
Newport, in Rhode Island. 

Of the brothers of this Jahleel, Ebenezer and Ben- 
jamin, nothing has been recorded, though Jahleel, the 
Collector above-mentioned, made several bequests to 
them. Where they resided, or whether they left any jl 
descendants does not appear. Jahleel, the grandfather 
of the Baronet, had by his first wife, Frances Crans- 
toun, fifteen children — eight sons and seven daughters. 
Jahleel, his fourth son, the father of our present 
subject, was born October 22nd, (O.S.) 1729, died 29th 
January, 1802. He married in December 29th, 1765, 
Henrietta Cowley, daughter and coheiress of Joseph 
Cowley, Esq. formerly of Worcestershire, in England, 

and Penelope his wife, who was the daughter of 

Pelham of Laughton, Esq.; whose ancestors had re- 
moved to Rhode Island during the civil wars in the 
reign of Charles the First. 

Jahleel, the subject of this memoir, and the eldest 
son of Jahleel and Henrietta, was born the 22nd of 
August, 1770. There were besides four sons and five 
daughters; of the latter, all are still living; of the 
former two died in their infancy; the other two, with 
tlicir eldest brother, followed the profession of their 
father, who had very early in life entered the British 
Navy. Edward Pelham was born the 29th of July, 
1774. Of his active and useful life a sketch has 
already been given to the public, from the pen of his 
affectionate surviving brother. James WaUis lived to 
Ijc a ijioutenant in the l^ritish Navy, and was killed in 



Chap. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 37 

action when First Lieutenant of H. M. S. Peterel, in 
the command of a boat expedition in chase of an 
enemy's vessel near Barcelona. 

The seven elder children, were born in America, on 
the patrimonial property at Rhode Island ; but the cir- 
cumstance that the father of Sir Jahleel belonged to the 
service of Great Britain obliged him to relinquish his 
home, and the place of his nativity, at the time of the 
civil war, which ended in the separation of the colonies 
from the mother country. Urgent entreaties were used 
on the part of the Americans to induce Mr. Brenton to 
join their cause. He was even offered the highest 
naval rank which the Republic could bestow; though 
he was at that time only a Lieutenant in His Majesty's 
service ; but that inflexible loyalty, which was always a 
strong feature in his character, rendered him alike 
insensible to bribery and persecution. That he might 
take an active part in the cause of his king, he was 
obliged to escape clandestinely from Rhode Island, 
where he left his wife and infant family, exposed to 
considerable hardships and difficulties; from which 
they were however soon happily relieved by the efforts 
of the British cruisers stationed on the coast. 

The whole family were removed to England in the 
year 1780, when the young Jahleel was placed in a 
school at Enfield, in Middlesex. In the year 1781 he 
embarked as a Midshipman in the Queen, armed ship, 
commanded by his father, who had been promoted to 
the rank of Commander ; and whom he shortly after 
followed into the Termagant, then a post ship; from 
which it may be reasonably inferred that the additional 



88 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

rank of Post Captain had been bestowed upon this 
loyal subject as soon as possible. 

At the conclusion of the war in 1783, the young 
sailor had time to resume his studies on shore, and for 
that purpose was sent to the maritime school at Chel- 
sea, where, for the space of two years, he successfully 
pursued those branches of learning more particularly 
suited to the profession he had chosen. He always 
retained a grateful recollection of the advantages he 
had derived from this establishment, where the best 
education was afforded on the most reasonable terms to 
the sons of naval officers, who, from their limited income, 
might have found it impossible to procure the same ad- 
vantages for their children in any other academy. 

In the year 1785 he was removed to France, where 
his family then resided, as the acquisition of the 
French language was thought an important point. 
He has left a remark upon record which will exhibit 
the state of his mind at this time. "To shew," he 
says, " what an important influence the most trifling 
circumstances may have upon a man's life, I may men- 
tion that, whilst living at St. Omers, in 1786, I was 
considered to be in very feeble health from the return 
of an ague, first experienced in the preceding year at 
St. Vincents; and having at the drawing school 
evinced a strong inclination for painting, my parents 
thought of sending me to Italy, wdth a view of making 
that my i)rofession, a plan which I eagerly caught at 
for tlio iiionient; but thinking it over in my own room, 
where my sword was suspended over the chimney, my 
eye no sooner rested upon it, than old associations and 



Chap. I. SIE JAHLEEL BEENTON. 39 

prospects instantly crowded in upon me, and induced 
me at once to reject the tempting offer" of a journey to 
Rome, and rene^Yed my determination to goto sea/' 

In 1787 his father returned with his family to 
England; and the Dutch armament having taken 
place, Jahleel set off for Portsmouth to join^ the 
Perseverance, commanded by Captain, afterwards Ad- 
miral, Sir William Young, a valued friend of his father. 
This ship was however paid off soon after his arrival, 
in consequence of the restoration of tranquilHty; and 
Jahleel embarked on board the Dido, Captain Sandys, 
who constantly employed him in sounding and survey- 
ing different bays and harbours on the coast of Nova 
Scotia, It was at this early age that his affections 
were bestowed upon one, who was well worthy of 
them; and of the rise and growth of this attachment, 
as romantic in its commencement as happy in its 
results, he has left some touching and affecting records 
in three manuscript volumes addressed to his children. 
A few extracts from these, to exhibit the character of 
the writer, without encroaching on the sacredness 
belonging to a domestic memorial of such a kind, will 
be introduced in the present notice. 

In the year 1789, the time then allotted for the 
service of a midshipman having nearly expired, he 
returned to England, and joined the Bellona, com- 
manded by Captain, afterwards Sir Francis Hartwell. 
In the month of March, 1790, he passed his examina- 
tion for a Lieutenant; and foreseeing no chance, 
either of promotion or active employment during the 
profound peace, then subsisting between Great Britain 



40 I^IEMOm OF Chap. I. 

and her neighbours, he, with a view of gaining exper- 
ience in his profession, accepted a Lieutenant's commis- 
sion in the Swedish nayy, then engaged in active 
operations against the Russians in the gulf of Finland. 
Of his later and better thoughts on this subject he has 
left a valuable record in the manuscript before alluded 
to. He there says, speaking of the period in question, 
" In after Hfe, when better acquainted with my reli- 
gious duties, I have felt and acknowledged the guilt of 
this step, for such it was ; but I was led away by the 
idea of acquiring distinction and eminence, so natural 
in youthful minds, and so powerfully excited by the 
biography of those whom the world holds up to 
admiration for their conduct in arms, without any 
reference to the cause which alone can render war 
justifiable." 

Leaving England for this purpose, he did not reach 
Carlscrona until the fleet had sailed; and before he 
could join them in the gulf of Finland, it was already 
blocked up in the bay of Wyborg, by the Russians. 
The vessel on board of which he was embarked was 
lying in the port of Lowisa, when the action took place 
off its mouth on the 3rd of July, which nearly annihi- 
lated the Swedish fleet, by depriving them of seven sail 
of the line out of twenty-one, while the remainder with 
difficulty reached Ilclsingfors. Hither Mr. Brenton 
proceeded, and undismayed by this mortifying defeat 
of the power wliich he came to serve, presented his 
conimission to tlie J)uke of Sudermania, then com- 
mander in cliief ; and was immediately appointed Lieu- 
tenant of ili(; Konig Adolf Frederic, bearing the flag of 



CHA.P. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 41 

Vice Admiral Modee. He, at the same time, received 
orders to introduce the Briiish s^^stem of discipline 
among the men, for which purpose he was fully sup- 
ported by the Vice Admiral and Captain. 

Of this period the following record has been left 
in his own hand, " On arriving at Gottenburg, I found 
a carriage there waiting for Sir Sidney Smith, who had 
also volunteered his services in the same cause, and was 
expected from England. It had been sent there by 
the Duke of Sudermania; and as Sir Sidney was 
known to have taken another route, General Toll, the 
governor of Gottenburg, offered it to me; and he, at 
the same time, requested me to superintend a convoy of 
British sailors, provided it would not delay me too 
much. The number of these men amounted to twenty 
or thirty; each had a horse and cart for the convey- 
ance of himself, and chest, and hammock ; and in each 
of these was a Swedish driver, in many instances this 
was a female. 

" This cavalcade had, previously to starting, been 
drawn up in a line in the market-place ; and this line 
the sailors had arranged in three divisions, naming an 
admiral in each, and hoisting a handkerchief for a flag. 
The procession was very orderly while passing through 
the streets; but we had no sooner got upon the broad 
road than there were evident attempts made to try the 
respective rates of sailing ; and at length the signal 
was made for a general chase. The Swedes, and parti- 
cularly the women, soon lost all controul; the most 
prudent jumped off ; and in the course of a short time 
many of the carts were upset, some in the ditches 



42 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

on each side of the road, and there were but few to 
which some disaster had not happened. 

" But httle progress was made in the course of this 
day ; and fearing I might not reach Carlscrona before 
the fleet should sail, I left my countrymen to the 
Swedish officers, and proceeded without stopping day 
and night. I was however too late. The fleet had 
sailed, and I was obliged to wait for the Hecte, a 
Swedish frigate then preparing for sea ; and at length, 
with the English sailors who arrived in the course of a 
week, I embarked in her, and proceeded to Helsingfors. 
Here T was put on board the Hussar, a two dec1{ed brig 
carrying twenty twelve-pounders on the lower deck, 
and fourteen four-pounders on the upper ; or as Johnny 
facetiously said, ' My eye, here is a craft ; a two-decked 
brig, the quarter deck got forward, and the captain's 
cabin under the forecastle.' The fact was, that the upper 
deck came no further aft than the mainmast, and was 
rather a prolonged forecastle ; the captain's cabin was 
under the deck, and next to the galley or cook's 
room." 

On the 9th of July the battle of Swinkasund took 
place between the Swedish and Russian Galley fleets, 
when the skill and gallantry of the British officers 
serving in the latter made the fortune of the day for a 
long time doubtful. That of Sir Sidney Smith and 
his followers however, on the side of the Swedes, was 
more successful, by whose exertions a brilliant victory 
was gained. This circumstance convinced his Majesty 
Gustavus the Third, that none were so fit to oppose 
Englishmen as Englishmen ; and he accordingly directed 



Chap. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 43 

that all the British officers should be immediately sent 
from the grand to the galley fleet. They arrived there 
a few days after the action, and were distributed amongst 
the flat bottomed frigates. Mr. Brenton was appointed 
to the SturkoUen. The following is the record he has left 
of some circumstances belonging to this period. 

" On reaching Swinkasund, the English officers were 
presented to the king of Sweden, Gustavus the third, 
on board his yacht, the Amphisis, where his Ma- 
jesty's flag was flying. Their reception was most 
cordial. I was the only officer who spoke French, and 
therefore became the organ of communication. The 
bay at this time was covered with the wreck of the late 
battle. The wrecks of two fine frigates were lying on 
the beach, besides those of other vessels. Three 
frigates, a fifty gun praam, and innumerable gallies 
and gun boats had been sunk. The masts of the 
larger vessels were out of the water; and many of 
those of the smaller ones, according to the depth of 
water where they had sunk. All were abandoned as 
irretrievably lost ; whereas, had the victors been 
English instead of Swedish, it is not too much to 
say that nearly all, if not the whole, of these vessels 
would have been weighed. One frigate in particular 
had received but little damage. She was on shore, and 
lying with her starboard gunwale in the water; her 
masts had been cut away by the Swedes, who never 
thought of attempting to get her off". The Englishmen 
regretting to see so beautiful a vessel consigned to 
destruction, waited upon the king, and volunteered to 
save her, at which he was greatly pleased, and ordered 



44 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

every assistance and material they required to be 
given to tliem. They accordingly set to work with 
all the ardour and confidence of their profession ; 
cleared the vessel of whatever could be got at, and 
laid out anchors and purchases in such a manner as to 
give every hope of success ; expecting, on the following 
day, to have their triumph. In the course of the night 
however, the gear they had prepared was cut away, and 
carried off by boats sent from the Swedish ships ; the 
officers alleging that they were ordered to collect what- 
ever blocks or ropes could be found amongst the 
wrecked vessels; but there was reason to ascribe this 
conduct to the jealousy of the Swedish officers; a 
jealousy easier to be accounted for than excused. It 
must at the same time be allowed that the king was 
imprudent in the partiality he evinced towards foreign 
followers; and as those in question were all young and 
thoughtless, and arrogant, neither concealing their 
fancied superiority over the Swedes, nor using any 
endeavours to conciliate them, it is only providential 
that more serious events did not occur. All hopes of 
getting off the frigate were now abandoned, and the 
Englishmen were sent to their respective ships.'' 

From this time there was no active service, peace 
being proclaimed in a few weeks. His Swedish Ma- 
jesty invited the British officers to continue in his ser- 
vice; but as there was every probability of Great 
Britain being involved in a Avar with Spain at that 
period, Mr. Brenton preferred returning to England. 
Of this time he has also left a record. He says, " In 
the month of August the peace was proclaimed at 



CHAr. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 45 

Kymena. The king assembled the British officers on 
board his yacht, and addressed them in the most flat- 
tering manner; telhng them that he was well assured 
how greatly they would have distinguished themselves 
had an opportunity offered; and that if they would 
remain in his service he would insure their advance- 
ment. Four out of the eight accepted his offer; but 
three besides myself declared our intentions of return*- 
ing to England, and expressed our anxiety to have 
means provided for our return as soon as possible ; as 
we had every reason to believe that our country was 
upon the eve of a war. The Spanish armament having 
taken place, the king recommended us to the care of 
the Commander of the Galley fleet, with directions that 
we should be immediately paid, and have a conveyance 
to such place as might enable us to procure a passage 
to England. 

" His Majesty had no sooner gone than the British 
officers were embarked in a galley, with orders to pro- 
ceed to Helsingfors, the great naval seaport in the gulf 
of Finland, where we were told we should receive our 
pay. On entering the bay, the galley hauled into the 
rocks ; and having landed the Englishmen upon them, 
proceeded in execution of other orders, leaving us to 
get to Helsingfors as we best could. 

" On reaching the town, we were told by the authori- 
ties that no order had been received for our payment, but 
that we must proceed to Stockholm, a journey of many 
miles, besides having to cross the gulf of Bothnia. One 
of our party having a sum of money in hand, generously 
assisted us ; we must otherwise have been greatly 



46 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

delayed, We set out from Helsingfors through Fin- 
land, in the common cart of the country, which consists 
merely of a pair of wheels, and two small spars lashed 
to the axletree, forming the shafts, and at the same 
time the only body of the carriage; upon these the 
chest and cot of the travellers were secured, making a 
very comfortable seat. We took our provisions for the 
journey, which consisted of hard bread, a ham, and a 
bottle of spirits. We could depend upon no supply on 
the road except a few eggs. 

" In this manner we began our journey through Fin- 
land, not knowing a word of the language : we at 
length reached Abo, and procured an open boat to 
cross the gulf of Bothnia. The weather had become 
very tempestuous, and we were obliged to take shelter 
for a day or two on a small island in the gulf 

"At length we reached Gustihamnan, and from thence 
proceeded to Stockholm. Here we were obliged to wait 
for some days ; the Swedish ambassador in England, it 
was said, had sent no account of the terms on which 
the British officers had been engaged. It was at length 
determined to give them a sum on account, leaving the 
ambassador in England to make a final settlement. 
The sum was twenty pounds to each; but one half of 
this was given in a bill on Copenhagen, done evidently 
with a view of getting the Englishmen out of the 
country as soon as possible, lest they might appeal to 
the king. We accordingly sailed for Copenhagen in 
an English merchant ship, landed at Elsineur, and had 
to proceed from thence to Copenhagen, where we re- 
mained a week, and left it at that time with but little 



Chap. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 47 

more of the twenty pounds than would enable us to pay 
our passage to England, where we arrived about the 
middle of November. 

" By this time the Ambassador was changed, and 
his successor pleaded ignorance of our concerns ; nor 
was it till the year 1796 that any settlement was 
made. This only amounted to twelve pounds, making 
in all thirty-two pounds to each officer, instead of more 
than seventy-two pounds which had been promised." 

On the 22nd of this month, Mr. Brenton was pro- 
moted to the rank of Lieutenant in the British Navy, 
through the interest of Lord Hood. Of this period 
he speaks thus : — " My first appointment of Lieutenant 
was second of the ' Assurance,' a troop ship, ordered 
to take troops to Halifax, a station of all others T 
should have chosen, having numerous friends and 
relations at that place; but particularly, from having 
formed an early attachment there. I was, however, 
destined not to perform this voyage, nor to see the 
object of my affections for the next ten years. I had 
been sent on shore at Rochester, in the pursuit of some 
deserters from my ship, when I was surrounded by 
a mob, and arrested by the civil power, on a charge of 
impressing within the limits of the city of Rochester. 
The Mayor, upon this vague charge, and without 
taking any evidence in support of it, committed me 
and four midshipmen to Bridewell. It was pointed 
out to the Mayor that an infuriated mob was waiting 
at the door, with the intention of attacking the officers 
on their way to prison ; regardless of the warning, 
he sent us under a few constables. I was immediately 



48 lilEMOIR OF CiJAP. I. 

knocked down, dragged through the streets, and nar- 
rowly escaped with hfe, losing nearly all my clothes. 
We were liberated the next morning, and a represen- 
tation having been made at the Admiralty, their 
Solicitor was ordered to enter a prosecution against 
the Mayor of Rochester ; and T was superseded from 
the Assurance, and appointed second of the Speedy 
Sloop of fourteen guns, on the home station, that I might 
be at hand to attend the trial. This did not take 
place till many months afterwards, when it came on at 
Maidstone. The Mayor suffered judgment to go against 
him by default, and in consequence paid the penalty of 
seven hundred and fifty pounds, which sum no doubt 
was supplied by the corporation. I continued for some 
time second of the Speedy, and was at length made first 
Lieutenant. J was generally kept in the command of the 
boats cruizing after smugglers. The Speedy was paid 
off in the autumn of 1791 ." 

Having remained from this period till the summer 
of 1792 upon half-pay, Mr. Brenton was then ap- 
pointed to command the Trepassey, a small cutter at 
Newfoundland. The only personal recollections which 
have been found of Newfoundland, are contained in 
the following anecdote. — " In an excursion made in 
the winter of 1792-3, from St. John's to the Bay 
of Bulls, Captain, the late General, Skinner forming 
one of our party, we had, on our return, to cross a 
large lake over the ice, some miles in extent. When 
about tlie middle. Captain Skinner informed me that 
he liad long been severely pinched by the cold, and 
found ;m irj'csistiblc di-owsy fit coming on. I urged 



I 



Chap. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 49 

him to exertion, representing the fatal consequences of 
giving way to this feehng, and pointing out the state 
in which his wife and family would be found, should 
the party arrive at St. John's without him. These 
thoughts roused him to exertion for some time; but 
when we had reached the margin of the lake, he gave 
way, and declared he was utterly unable to struggle 
farther, delivering at the same time what he considered 
his dying message to his family. As there were some 
bushes near the spot, I broke off a branch, and began 
to thrash my fellow-traveller with it ; at first without 
much apparent effect, but at length I was delighted to 
find that my patient winced under my blows, and at 
length grew angry. I continued the application of the 
stick, until he made an effort to get up and retaliate. He 
was soon relieved from the torpor; and as we were 
now but a few miles from St. John's, I pushed on before 
the party, leaving the captain under their especial 
care. I left also the stick, with strong injunctions that 
it should be smartly applied in the event of the drowsi- 
ness returning, I soon reached the town, and having 
had some warm porter with spice prepared against the 
arrival of my friends ; with this and considerable friction 
he was enabled to proceed home, where he arrived per- 
fectly recovered. He himself related the story at 
the Earl of St. Vincent's table at Gibraltar, many years 
afterwards; expressing, at the same time, much grati- 
tude for the beating he had received." 

In the early part of 1 794 Mr. Brenton returned to Eng- 
land, and was appointed second of the Sybil, of twenty- 
eight guns, in which situation he remained for a few 

£ 



50 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

months and then became first Heutenant of that ship ; but 
with regard to the intermediate steps, bj which he rose to 
this command, his own pen must supply the narrative. 
He says, " I was appointed, in the summer of 1792, 
to the command of the Trepassey cutter, at Newfound- 
land, a very small vessel, and facetiously termed by 
naval men, a machine for making officers. There were 
two cutters built, it might be said for this very purpose, 
on an understanding that a lieutenant should be made 
into each, every year ; one from Admiralty patronage, 
and the other by the commander in chief for the 
time being. The first two were Lieutenants Rowley 
and Halket ; the next pair Caithen and Gilbert ; then 
Herbert and Holme. I name these officers that the 
regularity of the system may appear. The lieutenant 
at the end of the year, or just previously to the sailing 
of the Admiral for England, (for he never wintered on 
the station) went through a nominal invaliding; and 
their successors were appointed from the cockpit of the 
Admiral's ship. 

" At length, in the year 1792, the Admiralty decided 
upon putting an end to this certainly most exception- 
able method of patronage, and ordered two lieutenants 
out from England to command these cutters. I was 
one of these, and arrived at Newfoundland in Septem- 
ber. I found the Trepassey a very extraordinary 
description of a man of war. She was only forty-two 
tons ; something about the size of one of the Gravescnd 
boats, previously to the adoption of steam vessels upon 
the Thames. Tier crew consisted oi Jive men, and a 
pilot, who })erformed the functions of every class of 



Chap. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 51 

officer below the commander. Slie had four swivels 
mounted; and was employed in going along the coast 
to protect the fisheries, and to enquire into abuses. On 
the last appointment the Admiral added two midship- 
men to each cutter, making the whole number of each 
complement eight. These vessels lay in the harbour of 
St. John^s during the vdnter, and were fitted out in the 
spring, to be in readiness to visit the different ports on 
their station, as soon as the harbour was clear from ice. 
"In the month of March, 1793, a small vessel arrived 
under a flag of truce from the island of St. Pierre, with 
a letter from the Governor, requesting to know what 
news had arrived from Europe. It was addressed to 
the Admiral, and contained evidently an indirect ofier 
of surrender of the islands to his Britannic Majesty, 
made with a view of putting them under our protec- 
tion, and of saving them from the sanguinary republi- 
cans, who had begun to shew themselves amongst the 
population. The Admiral was of course in England ; 
and the question was, who should open the letter. 
There was a military force of one company of the 
fourth regiment, and another of artillery ; and the naval 
force consisted of the two cutters, Placentia and Tre- 
passe}^, commanded by Lieutenant Tucker and myself 
The dispatches of course were received by Mr. Tucker, 
who forthwith called upon the captains of the army to 
consult as to what steps should be taken. 

" At this meeting the question arose as to who was 
the representative of the Governor. The commission 
of the Governor stated, that in case of his death, the 
government was to devoh'e upon the senior officer of 



52 MEMOIR OF Chap. I. 

the navy; and it was maintained that the provision 
made against death, must be equally applicable to his 
absence. This was denied on the part of the military 
officers; and until this point was settled no consulta- 
tion could take place. Mr. Tucker acted for himself, 
and proceeded to collect a body of volunteers on the 
island, with which he contemplated sailing for St. 
Pierre, as soon as a sufficient number could be got 
together. In the meantime he sent me in the Trepas- 
sey, with a flag of truce, to give the information to the 
Governor of St. Pierre, and to prepare him for the 
event, that he might be in readiness to act in concert. 

" On my arrival I found that the island had been 
taken possession of the day before, by a detachment 
from Halifax; and the Alligator frigate, which had 
brought them, was then lying in the harbour. The 
Trepassey was immediately dispatched to take posses- 
sion of Miguelon. On the return of the Trepassey to St. 
John's I found the Pluto, sloop of war, had arrived, hav- 
ing captured a French corvette from Martinique. News 
also from Europe had reached us, with an account of 
the murder of the French king, and the commencement 
of the war. The action of the Boston and the Ambus- 
cade soon after took place. The Admiral (Sir Richard 
King) reached his station in July; and having received 
a letter which informed me, that it was the wish of my 
friend, Captain E. Pakenham, to have me as his first 
lieutenant in the Resistance, of forty-four guns, I pro- 
cured the Admiral's permission to go to England, 
taking my passage in the Cleopatra, with that most 
amiable and distinguished character, Sir Alexander 



CuAP. I. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 53 

Ball; a circumstance invaluable to me from its being 
the means of mj acquiring the friendship of such a 
man. 

" We took a convoy to Cadiz, and while waiting 
there to collect one for England, it was understood that 
a Spanish seventy-four was upon the point of sailing 
for Falmouth with money ; as an indemnification of the 
Nootka Sound affair, in 1790. I eagerly caught at the 
opportunity of seeing the system of the Spanish navy ; 
and my wish being made known to the Spanish com- 
mander, he immediately invited me to take my passage 
to England with him, in the St. Elmo, where I was 
treated with the greatest hospitality, and marked atten- 
tion. We sailed for Ferrol on the following day, and 
from that port the 24th December, and arrived at Fal- 
mouth early in January. 

" This ship had been selected as one in the best state 
of discipHne in the Spanish navy, to be sent to England. 
She was commanded by Don Lorenzo Goycochca, a 
gallant seaman, who had commanded one of the junk 
ships destroyed before Gibraltar, in 1781. I had 
during this voyage an opportunity of appreciating 
Spanish management at sea. When the ship was 
brought under double reefed topsails, it was considered 
superfluous to lay the cloth for dinner; and when I 
remonstrated, I was told by the captain, that not one 
officer would be able to sit at table, being all sea-sick ; 
but that he had directed dinner to be got in his own 
cabin for himself and me. It was the custom in the 
Spanish navy for the captain and all the officers to mess 
together in the wardroom, which was appropriated to 



54 lylEMOIE OE Chap. I. 

this purpose. We liad hencefortli a very comfortable 
meal together, whenever the weather prevented a 
general meeting. 

" As the safe arrival of this ship was deemed of great 
importance, an English pilot from Falmouth was sent 
into Ferrol, for the purpose of enabling her to approach 
the coast of England with safety. A few nights before 
our arrival at Falmouth, the ship having whole sails 
and topping sails, was taken aback in a heavy squall 
from the N. E. and I was awoke by the Enghsh pilot 
knocking at my cabin door, calling out, ' Mr. Brenton, 
Mr. Brenton, rouse out. Sir ; here is the ship running 
away with these Spaniards.' When I got upon deck, 
I found this was literally the case. She was running 
away at the rate of twelve knots, and every thing 
in confusion: she was indeed, to use the ludicrous 
simile of a naval captain, ' all adrift like a French post- 
chaise.' It required some hours to get things to rights, 
and the wind having moderated and become fair, we 
then resumed our course, and safely reached Falmouth. 
The Spanish Inns, (the Posadas) are proverbially bad, 
wretched in the extreme ; and great was the astonishment 
of the officers of the St. Elmo on reaching Williams's 
Hotel at Falmouth, by no means at that time a first 
rate inn. Still, such was the effect produced by the 
carpet, the fire, and the furniture in general, that it was 
some time before they could be persuaded that I had 
not conducted them to some nobleman's house, in 
return for their hospitality to me; the hill however 
dispelled tliis i)lcasant delusion." 



Chap. IL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 55 



CHAPTER II. 



SERVICE IN THE SYBIL. — STORY OF THE CORFIELDS. — SEVERE WINTER AT SEA. — 
STORY OF JOHN ICEBERG. — INVALIDED AND COMES ASHORE. — APPLIES FOR 
EMPLOYMENT, AND APPOINTED TO THE ALLIANCE. — FEELINGS ON THE SUBJECT. 
— GOES OUT TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. — MADE KNOWN TO SIR JOHN JERVIS, 
AND APPOINTED TO THE GIBRALTAR. — STORM AND EXTREME DANGER OF THE 
SHIP. — MADE FIRST LIEUTENANT OF THE AIGLE. — BUT THE AIGLE BEING 
LOST, HE RE3IAINS FIRST LIEUTENANT OF THE BARFLEUR. — INTERVIEW WITH 
LORD ST. VINCENT AND THE SUBSEQUENT DECISION. 



Soon after his arrival in England, Mr. Brenton was 
appointed Second Lieutenant to tlie Sybil; and while 
the ship was lying at Gravesend, and previous to her 
quitting the river, an interesting little event occurred, 
which is so descriptive of the warm-hearted and affec- 
tionate character of the Irish, that it seems due to our 
countrymen of the sister isle to mention it, as related 
in the journal. 

" A boat ^fuU of men was seen proceeding to an 
East Indiaman, and I, who was at the time walking 
the deck with the captain, was ordered to take a 
boat and examine them. I found them sheltered 
under a regular protection signed by the Lords of the 
Admiralty, and stated to be in force for three days 
from its date. The date had been omitted, perhaps 
purposely ; and the paper had probably been procured 
by a crimp, in order to cover the men he was in the 



56 MEMOIR OF Chap. II 

habit of sending down to the ships at Gravesend. The 
boat therefore was brought alongside the Sybil ; and the 
captain, not finding any prime seamen amongst them, 
was satisfied with taking two healthy looking Irish lads, 
Mike and Pat Corfield by name, one about twenty 
years old, and the other under nineteen. The lads 
were greatly distressed at being put on board a man of 
war, of which they had undoubtedly heard many 
terrible things. It was however past twelve o'clock 
when they arrived, and the pipe had been just given 
for dinner. The young Irishmen were accordingly 
supplied mth their portion of bread, soup, and meat; 
when Pat smiling through his tears said, " Mike, let us 
send for mother." 

This little speech, so original, and so full of affection- 
ate expression, was related to the amusement of the 
officers for the moment, and was soon forgotten ; but 
many weeks afterwards, when the ship was at Spithead ; 
a boat came off, in which were not only the mother but 
also the little brother of the Corfields. Their meeting 
was, as may be supposed, affecting in the extreme, and 
seemed to interest every one in their favour. The 
whole family were of course to live, while they 
remained together, upon the allowance of the two 
sailors; but the officers having interceded with the 
captain ; little Edmund, the younger brother, about 
ten years of age, was put on the books, which gave a 
tliird allowance; in the mean time the two elder had 
procured and slung a hammock for the mother, and 
another fur the little fellow, and every accommodation 
was given them by their shipmates to whom this con- 



CuAP. II. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 57 

duct had endeared them. The mother by washing 
more than furnished her quota for the mess ; and the 
whole were kept by her care so clean and tidy that 
they were noticed for their good appearance." 

In the course of the autumn of this year, 1794, the 
Sybil formed part of the squadron under Rear Admiral 
Harvey, and was lying many weeks in the Scheldt, for 
the protection of Fhishing ; the French being in posses- 
sion of the isle of Cadsand, and menacing that fortress. 
This service was at once harassing and mortifying ; 
having none of the excitement or prospect of advantage 
which a cruize invariably holds out ; while it was in no 
ordinary degree exposed to anxiety and hardship. 

The Sybil was at length ordered to cruize on the 
Flemish bank, between the coast of Holland and the 
Goodwin Sands ; and was kept on this duty during the 
whole of that very severe winter of 1794-5, occasionally 
calling at Sheerness, to refit and complete provisions. 
Mr. Brenton was appointed First Lieutenant of the 
ship in the October of this year. In the month of 
January, 1795, the ice extended far beyond the great 
Haze, and the Sybil was for many days frozen in at the 
little Haze, without any communication either with the 
shore or other ships. The squadron, under Commodore 
Payne, consisting of the Jupiter, Royal Yacht, and 
other ships, were lying at Sheerness at this time, wait- 
ing for the ice to break up, that they might proceed to 
the Elbe, in order to bring 'over the Princess Caroline, 
afterwards Princess of Wales, and of so much notoriety 
in this country. Of this period of service the following 
notices are given : — 



58 MEMOIR OF Chap, II. 

" In February the Sybil was sent to the Weser, to 
assist in bringing away the British army, after their 
disastrous retreat through Holland in that awful winter. 
The sufferings of the troops had been dreadful during 
the march. They were embarked as they reached 
Bremer Lee, and sailed in detachments for England. 
The Sybil and her convoy were to take off the rear, 
and remained in consequence until the latter end of 
March. Colonels Barnes and Boardman, the first of 
the Guards, and the latter of the Oxford Blues, were 
embarked in the Sybil. About this time an extra- 
ordinary species of disease had begun to manifest itself 
among the marines of the Sybil ; and as the discovery 
of its cause, and the means of its cure, must be ascribed 
to the acuteness of the latter of these two gentlemen, 
it may be regarded as a subject of thankfulness that 
they were passengers. Many of the men were afflicted 
with an ossification, or hardening of the knee joint; 
and this had proceeded to such an extent in several 
cases, that the men were lame for life. The surgeon, 
who was himself afflicted in the same way, and had 
been lame from childhood, was at a loss as to the cause 
of the malady ; but Colonel Boardman at once threw a 
light upon the subject by a remark not unlikely to sug- 
gest itself to the mind of a military man. He had 
observed that the marines, when dressed, had thick 
woollen breeches, and long worsted stockings, so that 
during the day time, when on their post, the men had 
the knees doubly covered. After sunset, when off 
guai'd, tlio parade dress was laid aside, and canvas 
trowscrs substituted, leaving tlie knee witli little pro- 



Chap. IL SIE JAHLEEL BREXTON. 59 

tection from the cold air of the night; and he inferred 
that the mischief in the joint arose from the sudden 
and violent change in the temperature maintained 
around it. The result preyed the justness of his con- 
jecture as to the cause of the malady; for on taking- 
proper precautions to maintain the warmth by clothing, 
no further cases occurred; and the surgeon himself 
recollected, what it is singular he should ever have for- 
gotten, that his own crippled state had been occasioned 
by exposure to cold. Trilling as this matter may seem, 
it is not without use to point out the benefit that may 
be derived from the observation of intelligent men, 
even of a different profession. 

" One amusing circumstance occurred also at this 
time aboard the Sybil, which it m.ay not be improper to 
add, as evincing great readiness of resource in a sailor, 
though in a case of much less importance than the pre- 
ceding. One of the quarter-masters, familiarly called 
by everybody, "Old John Iceberg, a Swede,^' had a 
favourite cat, which, contrary to the reputed character 
of those animals, evinced as much attachment to her 
master as a dog is used to do. It slept in his ham- 
mock, and when he had the watch on deck amused 
itself with plapng in the rigging, leaping from it to the 
spanker boom, and from thence to the boat which hung 
over the stern. It happened one night that the boat 
having been kept on shore by bad weather, and puss 
not being aware of its absence, in the course of her 
gambols she went overboard, to the utter despair of 
poor Iceberg. He however soon recollected himself ; 
threw the captain's dog overboard, and reporting to the 



60 IMEMOIR OF Chap. II. 

officer on watch that the dog was in the water, volun- 
teered his services to go after it. While in the boat it 
may naturally be supposed that the first object of his 
care was the cat, and having picked her up, he pro- 
ceeded at his leisure to the rehef of Echo." 

Ill health, the natural consequence of a service so 
fatiguing, and so exposed to extremities of cold, ren^ 
dered it necessary for Mr. Brenton to come on shore, 
in the latter end of 1795. On his recovery, and appli- 
cation to the Admiralty for employment, he found 
himself appointed Second Lieutenant to the Alliance 
store ship, under orders for the Mediterranean, a situa- 
tion but ill according with the feelings of an officer, 
ambitious of rising in the service, and who depended 
solely on his own exertions, and the opportunities that 
might offer for distinguishing himself. Of this illness, 
and the results to which it led, Mr. Brenton speaks 
thus in his private memoranda, " I became very unwell, 
and was recommended to go ashore for the winter of 
1795-6, which I the more regretted from the circum- 
stance of Captain Douglas, now Admiral John Erskine 
Douglas, having been appointed to command the Sybil, 
an officer of distinguished merit, and great abilities, 
and from whom I felt tliat I should learn much. 1 
proceeded immediately to Edinburgh, where my father 
was regulating captain. I was put under the care of 
Dr. Munro, by whose judicious treatment I was soon in 
a state of convalescence. But the idea of being out of 
employment during an active war, preyed upon my 
mind. I wrote to the Admiralty in the middle of 
December, stating my ability to serve again, and re- 



CHAr. 11. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 61 

questing an appointment. Not receiving an early 
answer, my impatience to be afloat again induced me, 
contrary to the advice of my physician, to set off for 
London. On my arrival I had the mortification to 
find that I was appointed Second Lieutenant of the 
Alliance store ship, a station that I at once considered 
disgraceful and degrading to an ofiicer, who had been 
for some time First Lieutenant of a frigate. I went to 
the Admiralty, and laid my case before Admiral Young, 
then one of the board, by whom I was kindly received. 
Having heard my story, he acknowledged that the 
Admiralty had resolved to discountenance any officer 
going to sick quarters. He admitted that in many 
cases the innocent would suffer with the guilty; he 
believed my case to be one of this description, and 
recommended me to join my ship, in the expectation 
that I should soon receive something better. I went 
away, deeply depressed by what I had heard. I felt 
that all my prospects of promotion and distinction had 
vanished; and was only supported by the conviction 
that the disgrace, for such I considered it to be, was 
unjustly inflicted ; that it was contrary to my wish that 
I had left my ship, but that my physician had declared 
that my life was endangered by remaining." 

In order to explain the violence of the feelings pro- 
duced in Mr. Brenton's mind by this appointment, it 
may be necessary to state his own remark. " It had 
been then for some time the practice, impolitic in every 
point of view, to appoint officers who had fallen under 
the censure of a court martial to these store ships. This 
had been done in forgetfulness of the value of these 



62 MEMOIR OF Chap. II. 

vessels, of the very great importance of their cargoes to 
the fleets and arsenals in foreign stations, and of the 
small number of officers allowed to them ; which seemed 
to require that the few in command should be men of 
experience, and men on whose character reliance might 
be placed. The officer who had been appointed first of 
the Alliance refused to join her. One who had been 
just dismissed from his ship, by a court martial, for 
intemperance, was appointed second; and I was finally 
appointed first of this store ship. Captain Gumming 
(late Rear Admiral) commanded her, and did me 
ample justice by bearing testimony to my conduct, and 
giving full credit to my exertions under circumstances 
so discouraging and humiliating. 

"The ship was fitted out and sailed in the latter end 
of March, with a convoy of more than 300 sail for 
different parts of the world, which were to separate at 
Cape Finisterre for the several places to which they 
were bound. 

" When crossing the Bay of Biscay a letter was 
sent from the AdmiraFs ship, which had been pro- 
bably forgotten in England, by which I was informed 
that T was to be appointed First Lieutenant of the 
Diamond, of thirty-eight guns, under the command of 
my friend. Sir Sidney Smith, who had commenced his 
career in the navy under my father, in the Tortoise 
store ship ; and who, while we were together in 
Sweden had evinced much regard for me. Hence this 
intended appointment. 

"It is hardly necessary to add, that had this appoint- 
ment t'dkcn place, Avliicli but for the singular oversight 



Chap. II. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 63 

that led to the delay of the letter, most certainly would 
hare been the case, I certainly should have followed 
the fortunes of Sir Sidney Smith, and should probably 
have shared his long and perilous captivity in France ; 
while I must have forfeited the benefits arising from 
the patronage of my constant friend. Earl St. Vincent, 
who, from the moment he first became acquainted with 
me, lost no opportunity of forwarding my interests, 
and of placing me in important posts/' 

On receiving the letter Mr. Brenton says, " I shewed 
it to my captain, requesting permission to return to 
England, some vessel probably leaving the fleet, being 
bound thither at the time. Captain Gumming kindly 
appealed to me, whether, knowing the state of the ship, 
and the utter incapacity of the other Lieutenant to do 
the duty, he could possibly accede to my request. The 
argument was but too well grounded, and I was under 
the necessity of submitting. And here we have a 
striking instance, that the most gloomy and unpromis- 
ing circumstances may eventually lead to the comple- 
tion of our most sanguine expectations; whilst the 
gratification of our immediate wishes might only end 
in disappointment. J have often felt that the hand of 
a kind providence w^as peculiarly manifested in my 
favour upon this occasion. The Diamond was sent to 
cruize off" the coast of France, and Sir Sidney Smith 
soon after was taken prisoner, having landed near 
Havre in an enterprize against the enemy. He was 
confined for a long time in the Temple. If I had not 
accompanied my chivalrous friend on this occasion, 
which it is not improbable might have been the case, I 



64 MEMOIR OF Chap. II. 

should at all events have lost the benefit of his influence, 
and have had very little chance of promotion ; whereas 
by proceeding to the Mediterranean in the Alliance, I 
was placed in the way of success, and in a short time 
attained what I had hitherto hardly ventured to hope. 

" On the arrival of the Alliance at St. Fiorenzo I 
addressed a letter to the Commander in chief, Sir John 
Jervis, detailing the circumstances of my present 
appointment; and requesting that he would not attri- 
bute it to misconduct on my part ; referring him to the 
different captains with whom I had sailed for my 
character and abilities. To my great delight, in a 
short time I received an appointment to the Gibraltar, 
of eighty guns, a situation most highly gratifying, and 
beyond my most sanguine wishes. The Alliance being 
ordered with supplies of stores to the fleet off Toidon, T 
had an immediate opportunity of joining the Gibraltar; 
having first waited on the Commander in chief, to 
thank him for the appointment. Sir John Jervis 
received me in the kindest manner, saying he consi- 
dered the sons of officers as children of the service, and 
that he felt it his duty to provide for them. 

"On joining the Gibraltar I found the ship had been 
in a most unpleasant state in consequence of a litigious 
spirit, which had crept in among the officers, and 
which had led to numerous courts martial ; so that the 
captain and officers were not upon friendly terms. 
Captain Pakenham however came forward upon this 
occasion in tlic handsomest manner, saying to the 
officci's whom he assembled for the purpose, " Come, 
gentlemen, let us now give the new First Lieutenant a 



Chap. II. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 65 

fair chance. Let us bury the hatchet and be friends.' 
The greatest cordiaht j and comfort ensued ; and conse- 
quently the disciphne of the ship was rapidly improved. 
This the Admiral attributed to my exertions, while it 
was the natural result of restored harmony between the 
Captain and those under his command. 

" The summer was passed in blockading Toulon. In 
the course of this season evident indications appeared 
of hostile intentions on the part of the Spaniards, who 
had a very powerful fleet in the Mediterranean. Sir 
John Jervis felt it necessary to concentrate his force as 
much as possible; and for this purpose repaired with 
the fleet to Fiorenzo bay, in Corsica, leaving a small 
but active force off" Toulon, to watch the movements of 
the French in that port. 

" In the latter part of October, it was found neces- 
sary to evacuate Corsica; and the Smyrna convoy 
having arrived there, the x\dmiral sailed with fifteen 
sail of the line for Gibraltar, in the beginning of Nj- 
vember ; each ship of the line with a Smyrna man in 
tow. The weather was very bad, and the winds gene- 
rally shifting, adverse, and squally, so as to render the 
towing of the convoy a service of difficulty and danger ; 
two of them were lost in consequence, being run down. 
The fleet arrived at Gibraltar early in December. The 
Spaniards had by that time declared war ; and there was 
no longer any impediment to their forming a junction 
with the French fleet, which would make their force 
exceed forty-three sail of the line. Sir John Jervis, 
that he might be in readiness to sustain the attack of 
the enemy, moored his ships in the form of a crescent, 

F 



66 IMEMOm OF Chap. II. 

extending from the Ragged staff to Rosia bay; the 
sternmost ship of the weather Hne lying off the former 
place ; and the last of the sea line, the Gibraltar, being 
off Rosia bay, in a most exposed situation, with scarcely 
any hold for her anchors from the steepness of the bank. 
Here, on the 10th of December, a most tremendous 
gale of wind from the E.S.E. came on, at first in heavy 
squalls with long intervals. The Gibraltar brought her 
anchors home, and great exertions were made during 
the lulls to lay them out again. As the night approached 
the wind increased to a hurricane. I stated my 
opinion to the captain that the ship could not hold on 
during the night ; he appeared to be of the same opin- 
ion, and expressed his intention, should the ship drive, 
to cut, and make sail at once, so as to keep the straits 
open. A very heavy sea was at the time breaking 
round Europa point, and against the Spanish shore on 
the lee side of the bay. The captain recommended me 
to retire to my cot, and get a little repose, as I was 
evidently unwell. I had hardly gone down, when a tre- 
mendous squall came on, and the ship began to drive. 
I ran upon deck as soon as possible; but before T 
reached it, I heard the sheet cable running out, the 
anchor having been let go by the captain's order. This 
change of mind is to be accounted for only by the 
apprehension the captain was under of the Admiral's 
displeasure ; and the hope he entertained, however 
feeble, that the ship might be brought up ; but of this it 
soon appeared there was no prospect. She was off the 
bank in a few minutes, with her three anchors hanging 
to her bows. 



Chap. II. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 67 

"The cables were immecliatelj cut, and sail made upon 
the ship ; but as the topsails had been furled double 
reefed, it became necessary to close reef them before 
they could be set. The foresail was set at once, and 
the main-tack got on board ; but in hauhng aft the sheet, 
it was found to have got a round turn, round the main 
top gallant yard, in the lee rigging ; nor could any efforts 
clear it from the shaking of the sail, the riolence of the 
wind, and the darkness of the night. The yard was cut 
away from the main chains, and flew out to leeward, 
still confined by both parts of the sheet round it, and it 
was found impossible to get the sheet aft for some time 
In the meantime, the topsails split, as they were loosed 
from the yards ; the ship had now lost the shelter of the 
rock of Gibraltar, and felt the full force of the heavy 
sea roUing into the bay. It was also seen breaking to 
a fearful height over the Pearl rock off Cabritta point, 
which was under our lee ; and in order to run her out 
clear of it, the jib was set; thus co-operating with 
a deep pitch in a heavy sea, carried away the foretop- 
mast. She now rapidly approached the rock ; was 
soon in the foam occasioned by the breakers ; and in 
another moment struck upon the rock with a dreadful 
crash, and was thrown nearly on her beam ends ; but 
most providentially this latter circumstance, by decreas- 
ing for the moment her draught of water, was the 
means of carrying her over the rock, when she righted 
without striking again. 

" The panic was great as may easily be conceived, 
and a general cry of ' Cut away the masts ^ was heard 
from every part of the ship. The captain having been 



68 MEMOIR OF Chap. II. 

carried into the cabin severely hurt from a fall, just 
before the ship struck, the command had devolved 
upon me. I prevented the masts from being cut away, 
not from any prospect of saving the ship, but in the 
hope of being able to run her into a sandy bay, near 
Cabritta point. The first order I gave was to sound 
the well ; when, to my great surprise, it was reported 
that there was no water in it. I therefore ordered the 
ship to be kept away, under her tattered sail, so as to 
give her fresh way, and hauling up, gradually succeeded 
in getting her into the Gut, and free from any danger 
of the land ; when we proceeded to clear the wreck, to 
shift the sails, and to bend a cable to the spare anchor. 
It happened providentially that there were on board 
two anchors belonging to the Censeur, a French seventy- 
four, a prize which had been burnt by accident in Fio- 
renzo bay, and which were to have been landed at 
Lisbon, when the fleet should have arrived there. 
These anchors were immediately got up from the main 
hatchway, where they had been stowed ; and after being 
stocked, had cables bent to them. 

"The gale continued during the remainder of the night, 
and through the following morning. In the afternoon 
it became quite moderate, and the Zealous, commanded 
by Captain Hood, was seen standing out of Tangier 
bay, and approaching the Gibraltar. A boat came on 
board, bringing information to Captain Pakenham that 
Captain Hood had slipped the cable, by which the 
Zealous was riding in Tangier bay, and had left a buoy 
on the cable, with a boat fast to it, in order that the 
Gibraltar might run in and take advantage of it, in the 



CuAr. II. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 69 

natural expectation that she must have lost her anchors 
in driving out of the baj. 

" This was a most judicious measure, and quite 
characteristic of the excellent officer who suggested it. 
The Gibraltar availed herself of it ; and having got to 
snug anchorage in smooth water, was soon able to get 
the anchors which had been stocked, over the bows ; 
which it would not only have been difficult, but danger- 
ous to do while exposed to a heavy sea/^ 

The perilous situation of the Gibraltar, in this awful 
night, has furnished an interesting subject for Captain 
Brenton's pencil ; when in a leisure hour, many years 
afterwards, he made a drawing from recollection of the 
ship during the most critical moment, and it may per- 
haps assist the reader to form a notion of the extreme 
peril to which the ship was exposed, when the circum- 
stances are named, which, under providence, seem to 
have been the means of her preservation. 

The Gibraltar was a Spanish built ship, and on 
examining the injuries done to the vessel, when docked 
for repairing; it was found that the whole of the lower 
part of the ship was a solid mass of mahogany. No 
other fabric could have stood the violence of the shock 
when she struck on the reef ; and enabled her to float 
after she was righted. 

Captain Pakenham having spoken very highly to the 
Commander in chief of Mr. Brenton's conduct on this 
trying occasion, he was pleased to express himself most 
favourably towards him ; and as the Gibraltar, on being 
surveyed at Lisbon, was found to have sustained so 
much damage that it was necessary to send her to 



70 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. II 

England; Sir John Jervis sent for Lieutenant Brenton, 
and informing him of the Gibraltar's destination, asked 
him at the same time whether he had any objections 
to remaining in the fleet ; adding, that if such was his 
wish, he could give him the choice of two ships, the 
Diadem, of sixty-four guns, or the Aigle frigate of 
forty, to either of which he might be appointed First 
Lieutenant. After some hesitation, and not a little 
reluctance to quit the Gibraltar, to which ship he had 
become much attached ; he chose the Aigle, in the hope 
that in a cruizing ship, he might have the means of dis- 
tinguishing himself; and obtaining promotion ; at least, 
greater means than could be expected in a ship of the 
Hne. Sir John Jervis entirely approved of his choice, 
and gave him a commission as First Lieutenant of the 
Aigle, then up the Mediterranean ; and placed him pro 
tempore in the Barfleur, at the request of Vice Admiral 
Waldegrave, whose flag was flying in that ship. In 
this situation he was present at the battle of the 14th 
of February, ofi* Cape St. Vincent; but being now a 
junior officer, he consequently derived no promotion 
from the circumstance. 

The Aigle was about this time lost off* Cape 
Farina ; and Admiral Waldegrave having shifted his 
flag from the Barfleur to take the command at New- 
foundland, Mr. Brenton, from seniority, became First 
Lieutenant under the command of Captain Dacres. 
The events of this summer were confined to the bom- 
bardment of Cadiz. At one of these attacks Mr. 
Brenton volunteered his services, and was engaged in 
the command of the Barfleur's boats. In the month 



Chap. IL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 7l 

of August he was removed into tlie Ville de Paris, 
bearing the flag of Earl St. Vincent; and the fleet 
soon after sailed for Lisbon. 

On the subject of this appointment the following 
particulars are mentioned by Lieutenant Brenton, " In 
the month of August, Earl St. Vincent sent for me, 
and informed me that it had long been his intention 
to have taken me into the Ville de Paris, as one of his 
Lieutenants. He said there was now a vacancy; but 
observed at the same time that he scarcely thought it 
worth my while to quit the Barfleur (where he under- 
stood I was very happy) for he was firmly convinced 
that peace with France was at that moment signed ; 
(this was the period of Lord Malmesbury's having been 
sent to Lille to negociate). In proof that he held this 
opinion, his Lordship added that he had just laid a 
wager to this effect with Sir James Saumarez of one 
hundred guineas. Under these circumstances I declined 
the appointment, and returned to my ship. 

"On communicating to my excellent friend, Captain 
Dacres, the result of this interview with the Earl, I 
found him quite of a diff'erent opinion. He expressed 
great regret at my decision, which he considered as 
ruinous to my prospects, convinced as he was that there 
was no prospect of peace. 

" Captain Dacres was to dine with the Admiral on that 
day, when he took an opportunity of requesting him to 
renew the offer, pledging himself that it would be ac- 
cepted. The Earl, who had not yet filled up the vacancy, 
ordered a commission to be made out, appointing me to 
the Ville de Paris, which he gave to Captain Dacres, 



72 MEMOIK OF Chap. IL 

who, on coming on board presented it to me, saying, 
* There, I have now turned you out of my ship, an act for 
which you will undoubtedly thank me some of these days/ 
T certainly did leave the Barfleur with a heavy heart, 
for I highly respected and loved my captain, and the 
regard was mutual. I was also much attached to my 
brother officers, and had every reason to believe I 
carried with me the good wishes of all the ship's com- 
pany. The Barfleur might have emphatically been 
called a happy ship." 

During the winter of 1797-8 Mr. Brenton was em- 
ployed by his lordship in sounding the Tagus, between 
Lisbon and Salvatierra, for the purpose of facilitating 
the passage of the transports up the river to procure 
water. Mr. Brenton was also sent in the Thalia, com- 
manded by Lord Harry Paulet to survey Jeremie Bay, 
in order to ascertain whether there existed any good 
anchorage for the fleet. In the following spring the 
fleet resumed the blockade of Cadiz. The Vengeance, 
French frigate, was lying there ready for sea, and was 
expected to take advantage of the first opportunit}' 
which should ofl'cr of making her escape. In order to 
watch her movements narrowly during the night, two 
boats belonging to each ship were ordered to rendezvous 
e\'cry evening ofl* the light house, under the command 
of a Lieutenant of the Ville de Paris. This command 
was latterly confined to two of the Lieutenants, of 
whom Mr. l»rcnton was one, and Mr. Melhuish tho 
other. The guard boats were frequently attacked by 
tlio enemy's gun boats; and upon one of these occasions 
Mr. Brenton had an op[)ortunity of distinguishing him- 



I 



Chap. IL SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 73 

self, so as to gain the approbation of the Commander in 
chief and to induce his lordship to promote him to the 
command of the Speedy, the same in which he had 
already served as a lieutenant. Adverting to this 
period, Mr. Brenton sa}^ " This was a service of much 
animation, and even of enjoyment. The officers in 
general managed to carry with them some good things, 
of which the midshipmen were invited to partake, nor 
were the boat's crew forgotten. In calm weather their 
voices and their mirth were distinctly heard by the 
Spanish troops on the batteries ; but the noble-minded 
Spaniard, who commanded in Cadiz, would not on any 
account allow them to be fired at. He however 
requested the Spanish Admiral to send off a flag of 
truce, informing the Earl how completely his boats 
were exposed to destruction, and requesting that they 
might not be permitted to persevere in behaviour, 
which the garrison considered as insulting. The Com- 
mander in chief immediately made known this com- 
munication to me, as it was my turn to command the 
boats that night, desiring it might be attended to ; but 
he did it in these words, ' Allow no noise to be made. 
Sir, by your people ; but go still nearer in.' " 

Captain Brenton says, relative to his appointment to 
the Speedy, " It was a singular circumstance that I 
had already served in the Speedy, both as second and 
first lieutenant; and while talking over expected pro- 
motion with my messmates, who were naming the 
favourite sloops to which they should prefer being ap- 
pointed, I always named the Speedy." 

Captain Brenton took his passage in the Blenheim, 



74 I\IEMOm OF Chap. II. 

which was bound to Lisbon ; but the day after leaving 
the fleet, the Blenheim having put into Lagos bay, he 
decided upon going to Lisbon by land, which he did, 
accompanied by Mr. Jephson, Judge of the Admiralty, 

and afterwards Sir Jephson, Bart. They had a 

most agreeable and interesting journey; and in a few 
days after their arrival at Lisbon the Speedy entered 
the Tagus, and her new commander joined her. From 
this period (the beginning of September) until the 
month of February following, the sloop, of which he 
had taken the command, was kept cruizing ofl" Oporto, 
for the protection of the wine trade. 



Chap. in. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 75 



CHAPTER III. 



SERVICE IN THE SPEEDY. — ACTION WITH GUN BOATS OFF GIBRALTAE. — SENT TO 
PENON DE VELEZ, — ACTION ON THE COAST, AND WITH GUN BOATS. — HIS 
brother's death from wounds RECEIVED IN ACTION IN THE PETEREL. — 
LETTER TO HIS FATHER. — MADE POST, AND APPOINTED TO THE TEMPORARY 
COMMAND OF THE GENEREUX AT PORT MAHON. — SAILS TO GENOA. 



In the month of February, 1799, Captain Brenton was 
charged with a valuable convoy of victuallers from Lis- 
bon, to supply the fleet off Cadiz. The latter had by 
stress of weather been driven up the straits, and great 
apprehensions were entertained for the safety of the 
convoy under so weak an escort. They were attacked 
in the bay of Gibraltar, by twenty-three gun boats, and 
Captain Brenton had the satisfaction of receiving the 
thanks of the Earl of St. Vincent (who was an eye 
witness) for the manner in which he had defended his 
charge. It is fit that on this occasion he should be 
his own historian, and that the account of the action 
should be given from his own pen. 

" Early in February, I was sent with a convoy of victu- 
allers to the fleet blockading Cadiz ; and on my approach 
towards San Lucar, not seeing any of the look-out 
ships, which were usually stationed far to the westward, 



76 MEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

I suspected that in the preceding very heavy gales 
from the westward, the fleet might have been driven 
through the straits, and I felt a considerable anxiety 
for the fate of my convoy. I in consequence made the 
signal for them to make all sail for Cape Trafalgar, 
whilst I proceeded towards Cadiz, taking my station on 
the foretop gallant yard, with my spy glass, to be in 
readiness to communicate the earliest information of 
danger to the convoy, which were not likely to be out 
of sight, before I should have a full view of Cadiz. I 
found my expectations respecting our fleet were realized, 
but the Spaniards were still in port. I then rejoined 
my convo}^, and made all sail for Gibraltar. 

" By the repeated signals flying along the coast, I 
was well aware that the Spanish gun boats were pre- 
pared to attack the convoy, and I accordingly formed 
them into two very clear and compact lines, directing 
them to preserve this order of sailing by every effort in 
their power. On passing Cabritta point, I observed 
the whole of the Spanish gun boats lying under it, 
evidently waiting for the convoy. They immediately 
pushed out with sails and oars, and began the attack. 
The Speedy wore round ahead of the convoy, in order to 
close up the lee line, which seemed disposed to straggle ; 
and then taking our station on their larboard quarter, we 
brought to ahead of the gun boats, which immediately 
desisted from their attack on the convoy, and seemed to 
unite their efforts upon the Speedy. As soon however 
as tlic convoy was so far advanced as to ensure their 
getting under the guns of Gibraltar, the Speedy followed 
them. There was but one ship of war in the bay, which 



Chap. III. SIE JAHLEEL BKENTON. 77 

was the Montague, witli the flag of Lord St. Vincent ; and 
a boat came ofi" from her, with orders for me to take mj 
convoy oyer to Tetuan bay ; where T was informed 
the fleet was lying under the command of Lord Keith. 
I accordingly proceeded thither, and found my arrival 
had been most anxiously looked for; as the fleet had 
been on short allowance of some species of provisions, 
and greatly in want of all to enable them to resume 
their blockade off" Cadiz. 

" When the signals were made by the Spaniards, the 
garrison of Gibraltar, to whom these signals were 
known, felt great uneasiness at the imminent danger 
to which the supplies for the fleet were exposed, upon 
which so much depended. This feeling was very 
strong in the breast of Lord St. Vincent, who had no 
means of increasing the force of the convoy ; and he 
was in proportion reHeved and gratified by the safe 
arrival of the convoy. He expressed his warmest ap- 
probation to Captain Brenton on his return from 
Tetuan, as did the Governor and principal officers of 
the garrison. But little injury was done to the Speedy, 
or any of her convoy." 

It is a subject of regret that the official letter, giving 
the account of this spirited, and well conducted action, 
does not appear in the public records of the day. 

Early in March Captain Brenton says, " The Speedy 
was ordered to cruize ofi" Penon de Velez; and my 
orders, when delivered by Earl St. Vincent were accom- 
panied by the following observation, ' You are to under- 
stand that the Spaniards have a garrison at Penon de 
Velez — that they have no communication whatever 



78 INIEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

with any part of the coast on which this place is 
situated — that they get their food, their raiment, and 
even the water they require, from Malaga, which are 
carried over to them by vessels under convoy of two 
rascally brigs — just like your own. Now, Sir, be off; 
I hope you will fall in with them.^ '^ 

Having returned from this duty (the wished-for ren- 
counter, as it appears, not having taken place) ; Captain 
Brenton continues, " The Speedy was ordered to pro- 
ceed to Oran, in order to bring down some prizes, 
which had been taken in there to wait for a convoy to 
Gibraltar. The wind, during March and April, blew 
almost a continued heavy gale from the westward. 
I made various attempts to get down to Gibraltar with 
my convoy, but without success, bearing up again for 
Oran. 

" On one occasion, having been joined by the Espoir 
sloop of sixteen guns, 1 had got as far as Cape de 
Gatte, and observing a very suspicious looking brig 
come out from under the land, I made the signal for 
the Espoir to chase. Both vessels made all the sail 
they could carry; and towards evening a very heavy 
squall coming on with thick weather, the chase and the 
chaser were both lost sight of. Towards evening the 
latter came down, not having been able to keep sight of 
the stranger, and apprehensive of losing the convoy. 
A heavy gale came on from the westward in the course 
of the niglit ; and on the following evening, as there 
was no appearance of its abating, I made the signal to 
bear up for Oran, where we arrived on the next day ; but 
the gale continuing, no boat was sent on shore. On 



I 



Chap.lli. sir jahleel brenton. 79 

the second day after we anchored in Oran, some sea- 
men in blue jackets were seen coming over the hills ; 
and as no boats from any of the convoy had reached 
the shore, I was anxious to know from whence these 
seamen could have come, concluding some wreck had 
taken place upon the coast. By great exertion a boat 
was got on shore, and soon returned with the captain 
and five seamen of the brig which had been chased off 
Cape de Gatte, by the Espoir; and which, as I have 
mentioned, was lost sight of in the squall. The fact is, 
that in that squall the unfortunate brig was upset ; and 
as she went down, the captain, boatswain, and five 
men jumped into the boat, and cutting the lashings, 
were left on the surface as the vessel sank. There was 
neither oar nor rudder in the boat, but providentially 
the rudder of the boat was found, amidst other things 
washed out of the vessel, and a couple of oars. On the 
following morning, in the height of the gale, the weather 
being clear, they distinctly saw the convoy, and endea- 
voured to make signals to them, but without effect, from 
the sea running so high. When the convoy bore up in 
the evening for Oran, the captain, finding it impossible, 
from the direction of the wind, to approach the Spanish 
shore, kept before the sea, spreading shirts upon the oars 
for sails, and endeavoured to find shelter in some of the 
bays of the coast of Africa. Providentially they reached 
a little cove with a sandy beach, just to the westward of 
Oran ; and having caught a hawk's bill turtle as they 
approached the shore, by devouring it raw, they acquired 
sufiicient strength to land in a heavy surf, and to beach 
their boat. The boatswain, who was a strong powerful 



80 X INIEMOm OF Chap. III. 

man, sank under exhaustion before they reached the 
land. They were received on board the Speedy; and 
by the judicious conduct of the surgeon, were soon 
restored to perfect health. 

" The vessel lost was an American brig from Balti- 
more. Her commander's name was Brand, and twelve 
men were lost in her. Mr. Brand's escape was the 
more providential, as he was asleep below when she 
upset ; and being thrown out of his bed, by the sudden 
movement, was enabled to get up the ladder, before the 
hatchway was filled with water.*' 

A few days after the convoy had reached Oran, 
the gale continuing to blow with great violence at 
times, but at others more moderately; the Terpsi- 
chore frigate commanded by Captain Gage, entered 
the bay of Oran with her convoy from Minorca, bound 
to Gibraltar also; and about a week later, at the close 
of a day on which there had been almost a hurricane, 
a Spanish line of battle ship, with only her foremast 
standing, and her mainmast lying buried on the poop, 
came into the bay, and let go her anchor about half 
a mile from the Speedy, which happened to be the 
farthest out. 

Captain Gage directed Captain B. to watch the 
motions of the Spaniard, expressing his intentions to 
attack him, should he move beyond the limits of neu- 
trality. At daylight the Spaniard was seen to cut his 
cable, and put to sea : the wind had greatly moderated, 
but a heavy sea continued. The Terpsichore and 
Speedy slipped tlicir cables, and were immediately in 
pursuit. The Spanish ship was rolling her main deck ports 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BREXTON. 81 

in the water; the weather was very thick; the Speeclj 
had approached nearly within gun-shot, and was pre- 
paring to open her fire, with her four pounders, into the 
stern of the enemy, whilst the Terpsichore's fire, which 
would soon have followed, would, without doubt, hare 
insured the surrender of the helpless Spaniard; when 
at the moment, the fog cleared away, and shewed the 
Spanish fleet of eighteen sail of the line in the offing, 
and at a very short distance. The expected prize at 
once vanished, and it became necessary for the English 
vessels to seek their own safety. The Terpsichore re- 
turned to Oran, and the Speedy running close in shore 
got to the westward of the bay. 

Of the Spaniards six sail had lost their lower masts, 
and many their topmasts. The Spaniards availing 
themselves of a strong S.W. wind shaped their course 
for Carthagena. On the following morning, the Speedy 
fell in with a British squadron of five sail of the line, 
under Admiral Whitshed ; who, on being informed by 
Captain Brenton of the crippled state of the Spaniards, 
made sail in pursuit of them ; and the Speedy returned 
to Oran, where, having joined the two convoys, they 
proceeded together to Gibraltar, where they arrived 
early in May. The Speedy was then sent to resume 
her station ofP Oporto, but in the month of July was 
again detached to take the English mail from Lisbon 
to Gibraltar. Here upon examining her defects, she 
was found in such a state as t6 render it necessary to 
heave her down. 

Earl St. Vincent having given up the command of 
the fleet to Lord Keith, was at this time at Gibraltar, 

G 



82 IklEMOIE OE Chap. III. 

with his flag in the Argo, waiting for wind to sail to 
England. The Channel fleet, under Sir Alan Gardner, 
had formed a junction with the Mediterranean fleet, 
and had gone up the Mediterranean in pursuit of the 
combined fleets of France and Spain. 

While the Speedy was undergoing repair, and was keel 
out ; the combined fleet was seen approaching the straits 
from the eastward ; and a cutter sent out to reconnoitre, 
was captured by them, in consequence of a partial 
breeze favouring a Spanish frigate while the cutter was 
becalmed. Earl St. Vincent ordered the Speedy to be 
immediately righted, and to prepare for sea. Copper was 
nailed over the defective parts ; and by the assistance 
of the Argo, she was ready to proceed on the following 
evening, with orders to look for Lord Keith, and to 
communicate to him the information, that the enemy 
had left the Mediterranean. He fell in with his lordship 
off* Cabrera, in the course of a very few days, after 
leaving Gibraltar. He had already received the 
intelligence from some merchant vessel, that the 
combined fleet had been seen near the straits, 
steering to the westward, and was in pursuit of 
them. The day was beautiful when the Speedy 
fell in with the Admiral ; and the immense fleet 
of thirty-two sail of the line sailing in two divisions, 
formed a most magnificent spectacle. Lord Keith sent 
the Speedy to Minorca with dispatches, with orders to 
resume her station off" Oporto on her return. He con- 
tinued his pursuit ; but the enemy had got far too much 
start of him, and reached Brest, long before the British 
fleet could get up with them. 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 8^ 

The following letter from Captain Brenton to his 
father may here be introduced as carrying on the 
narrative. 

"Speedf, off Cape de Gatte, July 17tli, 1799. 
"Mr DEAR Sir, 

" Since my last off Lisbon no opportunity what- 
ever occurred for my writing, I had scarcely time to reach 
Oporto, Lisbon, and Gibraltar, before our quarantine expired; 
we were ordered instantly into the mole, to heave down. On 
Sunday, the 8th, the Speedy was keel out, having her copper 
repaired, and on Tuesday was at sea, on her passage to join Lord 
Keith, with the intelligence of the Spanish fleet, in conjunction 
with the French, having passed the straits of Gibraltar to the 
westward; the particulars you will have, long before you receive 
this, as the Haarlem, and other vessels, were instantly dispatched 
for England. 

" The Haarlem had but just time to clear the Gut, when the 
van of the enemy's fleet appeared in sight, and the rear of them 
had only passed the rock, when the Speedy came out; but by 
favour of the night we escaped a rencounter with the gun boats, 
who were waiting behind Europa, to intercept any vessels going 
to the eastward. We fell in with Lord Keith yesterday, but have 
not yet spoke him; his lordship has, as yet, only received the 
intelligence of the enemy being off Gibraltar, and is in full cry 
with thirty-two sail of the line, we are however coming up hand 
over hand with him, owing to light winds and smooth water. I 
expect to be on board the Queen Charlotte in two hours ; and as 
there is a strong probability of my being ordered to part company 
instantly, I shall have this letter ready to dispatch, and take 
another opportunity of being particular. I have the mail on 
board and passengers for Minorca, by which means I hope to see 
Wallace, who is in that neighbourhood. 

" Lord St. Vincent arrived at Gibraltar a few days before we 
left it. His lordship is not well. This unexpected event has been 
of no service to him. His behaviour to me, has (if possible) been 



84 MEMOIR OF Chap. IIL 

kindei" than ever; he appeared pleased with our exertions, and 
has, I believe, given me some good recommendations to his suc- 
cessor, Lord Keith. I believe I may deem his lordship one of 
the best friends I ever met with, and should he become premier at 
the Admiralty, which is by no means impossible, I hope we shall 
all feel the good effects of his patronage. 

" Remember me most affectionately to my mother ; I will give 
her the earliest information of our destiny and late proceedings. 
If Captain Berkeley of the 90th regiment, should call upon you 
at Edinburgh, may I request you will deem him a welcome 
guest. I have much esteem for him, and he deserves it. He is 
but slowly recovering from a fit of illness, which had for some 
time deprived him of the use of one side. I was to have given him 
a letter, but was prevented by his sudden departure. 

" Adieu, my dear Sir ; I beg my best love to the girls, and to 
be considered as your ever dutiful and affectionate son, 

"J. BRENTOK" 

" 7 p. M. Just spoke Lord Keith, and have received orders to 
proceed lo Minorca. 

" Jahleel Brenton, Esq. 

Regulating Caitain, Edinburgh." 



xVfter remaining a few clays at Port Malion, the 
Speedy directed her course for Gibraltar ; and when off 
Cape de Gatte gave chase to three large armed Xebecs, 
which ran in and anchored in a close line, in a sandy 
bay to the westward of the cape. The Speedy im- 
mediately attacked them under sail, and was joined by 
the Defender, a brig privateer, belonging to Gibraltar, 
of twelve guns. Captain Brenton finding he could not 
keep up an effectual fire under weigh, pushed in, in 
hopes of finding soundings, which he at length did 
within pistol shot of the enemy, and let go his anchor. 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 85 

The engagement continued for more than half an hour, 
when the Spaniards took to their boats, and their vessels 
were captured and brought off by the Speedy and 
Defender. The largest mounted twelve, the second 
ten, and the third six guns; and in a few days with 
the Speedy arrived at Gibraltar. 

The Speedy again visited Oporto, and was again 
dispatched from Lisbon to Gibraltar with the mail. 
On her way back from the rock to Oporto, she chased 
three Spanish vessels, and drove them on shore ; but 
the surf was so heavy they could not be got off. 

The following official letters describe some of the 
actions in which the Speedy was engaged, and the 
opinions pronounced on her commander by his 
superiors. 

From the Gazette, Admiralty Office, 21st September, 1799. 

Copy of a letter from Earl St. Vincent, K.B. Admiral of the 
White, &c. to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated 17th Sept. 1799. 

" Sir, 

" I enclose for the Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
miralty, a letter I have received from Captain Brenton, of His 
Majesty's Sloop Speedy, giving an account of the capture of three 
Spanish armed vessels. 

"ST. VINCENT." 

"Speedy, Gibraltar, August 21st, 1799. 

"My Lord, 

" I have the honour to inform your lordship, that 
on the 9th inst., in company with the Defender, British Privateer 
of Gibraltar, of fourteen guns, we captured the Spanish armed 
vessels, as per margin, after an action of two hours and a half. 



86 MEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

Upon seeing us they ran into a small sandy bay, five leagues to 
the eastward of Cape de Gatte, and moored in a close line, within 
a boat's length of the beach ; we engaged them an hour and three 
quarters under sail, before we could gain soundings, although not 
more than a cable's length distant from the rocks ', but finding the 
enemy had much the advantage, from our constant change of position, 
I determined to push for an anchorage, and was fortunate enough 
to effect one within pistol shot of the centre vessel. After three 
quarters of an hour close action, the Spaniards took to their boats, 
cutting the cables of two of the vessels which drove on shore ; 
they were, however, all brought off" by our boats, under a constant 
fire of musketry from the hills. The privateer, having but twenty- 
two men, was obliged to stand out, to procure assistance from a 
boat she had in the offing, and could not reach the anchorage, till 
the conclusion of the action. The conduct of her commander was 
highly meritorious throughout, and must have considerably acce- 
le]'ated the event. The officers and men under my command 
behaved in such a manner as would have ensured our success 
against a more formidable enemy. The Speedy had but two men 
Avounded, the Defender one, neither dangerous. We found two 
men dead on board the Spaniards; the remainder of the crews 
escaped on shore. - 

"JAHLEEL BRENTON." 

Ships mentioned in the margin: 

" Santo Christo de Garcia, eight guns, six and nine pounders. 

" Name unknown, ten guns, six and nine pounders. 

*^ Name unknown, four guns, sixes." 

"Admiralty Office, Octobee 26, 1799. 

Copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Duckworth to Evan Nepean, 
Esq., dated Leviathan, off" Lisbon, the 13th inst. 

"Sin, 

" You will be pleased to lay before my Lords Com- 
missioners of the Admiralty the copy of a letter from Captain 
Brenton, of the Speedy, relating the destruction of three Spanish 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 87 

vessels he chased on the 3rd inst. ; it is but justice to this officer to 
observe, that his exertions and gallantry at all opportunities do 
him the highest honour. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

" J. J. DUCKWORTH." 



" Speedy, at Sea, October 4, 1799. 
"Sir, 

" I have the honour to inform you, that yesterday, 
whilst running through the gut of Gibraltar, in sight of the 
British convoy, I observed a number of small vessels, coming out 
of Algesiras, and concluded they were Spanish gun boats, endea- 
vouring to cut off some of the merchant ships; I therefore steered 
for them, in order to keep them as far as possible from the body 
of the fleet ; but upon our near approach, perceiving they were 
Spanish coasters, eight in number, under the protection of a cutter 
and schooner, made all sail in chase, and soon separated the two 
sternmost from the body; they ran under the guns of a castle, 
which opened a fire upon us, and prevented our bringing them 
off. We continued the pursuit of the others, passing under the 
shot from Tariffa castle ; and at four p.m. came up with four 
more in a bay to the eastward of Cape Trafalgar: one immediately 
anchored near a fort, and the other three under a castle which 
had one gun mounted ; as it blew very heavy from the eastward, 
and being on a lee shore, we could not go as near them as I could 
wish, but anchored within four cables' length, and bringing our 
guns to bear upon the castle (which appeared to be in a very 
ruinous state, and did not return our fire,) and the vessels ; we in 
a short time, compelled the Spaniards to abandon them all, first 
cutting their cables, by which means they drove on shore. I then 
sent Lieutenant Parker to endeavour to bring them off, and 
shortly after Mr. Marshall to assist ; or if that was not practicable 
to set them on fire; neither of which could be effected from the 
heavy surf breaking entirely over them, and rendering our 
approach dangerous to the boats. They however boarded them, 
brought away some of their fire arms, threw the remainder over- 



88 MEMOIR OF Chap. Ill, 

board, leaving them full of water, and complete wrecks. One 
vessel was laden with brandy and paper ; one with English manu- 
facture (cutlery, hardware, &c.); and the third in ballast. I beg 
leave to express the high satisfaction I received from the conduct 
of Lieutenant Parker, in boarding the vessel under the walls of 
the castle, while exposed to musketry from the beach; also of Mr. 
Ricketts, the purser, who was a volunteer upon that service. 
The attention of Mr. Marshall, the master, to the anchoring his 
Majesty's sloop, and the able assistance I have received from him 
on former occasions, renders him worthy of the fullest confidence. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 
"To Rear Admiral Duckworth," <S,:c. 

Early in November of this year, the Speedy was 
again sent from Lisbon, with a convoy to Gibraltar; 
and on entering the bay was attacked by twelve gun 
boats, and a ten gun French privateer. They came 
down in the most determined manner; and surrounded 
the Speedy off Europa point, with the intention of 
boarding; which Captain Brenton observing, directed 
the guns to be loaded with grape as far as it could be 
done with safety ; and reserved the fire until the 
Spaniards rose to board, when the Speedy's fire was so 
destructive as to induce the Spaniards to sheer off*, and 
run to leeward with great precipitation. The convoy 
in the meantime got safe into Gibraltar, and the 
Speedy was endeavouring to follow them ; but it was 
soon found she had received so much damage, below 
tlic water line on the starboard side, from the enemy's 
shot, that she was filled with water to the lower deck. 
It became necessary immediately to veer her : and by 
carrying as nuich sail as her wounded rigging would 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 89 

bear on the starboard tack, the leak was got out of the 
water. But to keep her in this position it became indis- 
pensible to stand across the straits, and run for shelter 
into Tetuan bay ; which they reached late in the even- 
ing ; and having repaired their damages, sailed early 
the next morning for Gibraltar. The Speedy had two 
men killed upon this occasion. 

It was a subject of universal astonishment, that the 
Spaniards should have made so daring an attempt, as 
to attack the Speedy under the batteries of Gibraltar, 
actually within hail, as conversation passed between 
Captain Mottley (the resident agent for transports at 
Gibraltar) and Captain Brenton before the Spaniards 
surrounded the Speedy. 

Upon Captain Brenton's return to Gibraltar, he 
received the thanks and congratulations of Governor 
O'Hara, and the garrison. " Speedy" was given out 
that evening for the parole, and " Brenton" for the 
countersign. Perhaps the full force of this flattering 
testimony can only be felt by those connected with the- 
military profession. 

On arriving at the rock. Captain Brenton waited upon 
the Governor, to remonstrate upon so extraordinary a 
circumstance ; but the Governor, General O'Hara, anti- 
cipated his complaint, by explaining that in consequence 
of the Spanish authorities having threatened to bom- 
bard Gibraltar from Fort St. Phillip, on account of some 
fishing-boats having been fired at from the batteries 
by mistake, having been taken for row boat privateers, 
he (the Governor) had been obliged to prohibit all dis- 
cretional firing ; directing that no gun should be fired 



90 MEMOIR OE Chap. III. 

^vithout his express permission. He added, however, 
that the events of the preceding day convinced him that 
such a regulation could not be persevered in ; that he 
had that morning issued orders that a most vigilant 
look out should in future be kept from the batteries; 
and a signal made when any privateer was seen under 
weigh, when she was to be fired at on her approach. 

Rear Admiral Duckworth was at this time lying in 
the bay of Gibraltar; and reported Captain Bren- 
ton's conduct to the Admiralty, in a manner most 
flattering to his feelings, as did the Governor, and 
the Commissioner. The Governor's letter was addressed 
to Earl St. Vincent, then in England ; and his lord- 
ship happened to be with Sir Evan Nepean, at the Ad- 
miralty, when it arrived. He had no sooner read the 
forcible appeal made by General O'Hara in favour of 
Captain Brenton, than he went to Lord Spencer, and 
laying the letter before him, said, " My lord, I will not 
leave your room until the request contained in that let- 
ter is complied with ;" and Lord Spencer immediately 
wrote an order for Captain Brenton to be put into 
the first Post vacancy, that should occur in the Medi- 
terranean. 

It may perhaps be allowable to introduce here the 
description of this gallant action as given in the Naval 
Chronicle; and to add the official letter addressed to 
Admiral Duckworth. 

" It is somewhat astonishing that the following remark*' 
able instance of naval gallantry should never yet have 
been published ; wo therefore consider ourselves exceed- 
ingly obliged by being enabled to bring before our 



I 



Chap. m. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. dl 

readers such particulars, as must be read with the great- 
est admiration of the distinguished prowess they describe, 
and which so eminently redound to the credit of the offi- 
cers and crews, who so ably and bravely defended them- 
selves against such a very superior force. We have also 
subjoined the official letter sent by Captain Brenton'" to 
Admiral Duckworth, on the occasion ; documents which 
will prove completely illustrative of the whole transac- 
tion. The action certainly merits every commemora- 
tion, and the annexed plate is taken from a drawing 
representing the most interesting period of it. 

" On the evening of the 6th of November, 1799, His 
Majesty's sloop. Speedy, commanded by Captain Jah- 
leel Brenton, and her convoy, consisting of a ship 
(transport) laden with wine for the fleet, and a mer- 
chant brig bound to Trieste, were attacked upon their 
entering Gibraltar bay, by twelve Spanish gun boats; 
two of which were schooners, carrying two twenty-four 
pounders each, and fifty men; and the other, one 
twenty-four pounder and forty men ; besides a Xebec, 
French privateer of eight guns. They first attempted 
the ship, and were prevented from carrying her by the 
Speedy passing between them, which enabled her to 
reach her anchorage in safety : their effi)rts were then 
united against the brig, when the Speedy bore up 
through the centre of them, and in three quarters of an 
hour obliged them to run for shelter under the guns of 
Fort Barbary. 

* " This gallant officer has had his bravery rewarded by being promoted 
to the rank of Post Captain, and now commands the Cajsar of eighty-four 
guns, which at present bears the flag of Admiral Sir J. Saumarez." 



92 ]\IEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

" The crippled state of tlie Speedy's rigging, masts, 
and hull, and especially as the water was up to the 
lower deck, from shot received below, prevented Captain 
Brenton from pursuing the advantage he had gained. 
She had two men killed, and one wounded. The tran- 
sport was most ably managed by her master, and 
worked round Europa Point through a very galling 
fire ; the brig took advantage of a strong westerly wind, 
which sprung up after dark, and continued her voyage 
to Trieste. The Speedy was under the necessity of 
running for Tetuan bay, to stop the leaks ; which being 
done, she returned to Gibraltar the following day. 

" The Spanish gun boats, after remaining under Fort 
Barbary for three days, bore up for Malaga, and did 
not return to Algesiras for two months, leaving the trade 
unmolested in the Gut of Gibraltar. The Spaniards 
acknowledged they lost eleven men ; four of their boats 
were seen to strike to the Speedy during the contest, 
by the inhabitants of Gibraltar, and the report was cor- 
roborated by a Danish brig from Malaga a few days 
after." 

" Speedy, Gibraltar, November 21, 1799. 
" Sir, 

" I have the honour to inform you, that on the Gtli 

instant, coniiiiir into Gibraltar, with two vessels under convoy, a 

ship and a brijr, we were attacked by twelve of the Spanish gun 

boats from Algesiras. Having a commanding breeze, we were soon 

enabled to rescue the ship. The gun boats then united their efforts 

upon the brig, but bearing up upon their line with a well directed 

iiro, we in a short time obliged them to relinquish their design 

also; and tak(! sliclter under the guns of Fort Barbary. The 

situation of tlie Speedy prevented my pursuing the advantage Ave 

had gained, liaving most of our running rigging cut away, our 



Chap. III. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 93 

main top sail yards shot through, and our fore rigging much cut, 
besides the water being up to the lower deck, from shot received 
below the water line. Not being able to carry sail upon the lar- 
board tack, I was under the necessity of running for Tetuan Bay, 
to stop the leaks, and arrived here the day following. I cannot 
say too much in praise of Lieutenant Parker, Mr. Marshall, the 
master, and the remainder of the officers and men under my com- 
mand, from their spirited exertions, and strict attention to their 
duty, we were enabled to save our convoy and His Majesty's 
sloop. 

" I beg leave to enclose a return of our killed and wounded, 
and at the same time to add, that much praise is due to Mr. 
George Robinson, master of the transport Unity, for the manner 
he worked his ship during a very galling fire. 
^^ I have the honour to be, Sir, 

^^ Your very obedient servant, 

"J. BEENTON." 

" Patrick Blake and Wm. Pring, seamen killed. 
" Thomas Hiley, seaman wounded." 

" To Admiral Duckworth," &c. &c. &c. 

A few clays after the action, Admiral Duckworth sent 
for Captain Brenton, and gave him the painful intelli- 
gence, that his brother, Lieutenant Brenton, of the 
Peterel, had been dangerously wounded in the boat of 
that ship, in capturing a Spanish privateer, and had 
been taken to the hospital at Port Mahon. He kindly 
ordered the Speedy to proceed thither with dispatches ; 
and held out the hope that the wound might not be 
mortal. This flattering expectation was unhappily 
not realized, for upon the arrival of the Speedy at Port 
Mahon, Captain Brenton found that his brother had 
died a week previously, and had been buried with the 
honours of war. The amiable character, and gallant 



94 MEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

conduct, of this promising young man had excited an 
universal interest. 

The letter which Sir Jahleel Brenton wrote to his 
father on this occasion may be justly inserted, as exhi- 
biting the simple and affectionate feelings which lived 
mthin the breast of one so distinguished for daring 
enterprise. In later years those feelings would have 
assumed a different form, and been expressed in a 
different manner ; but it is the object of the memoir 
to present the man as he was, and the change that 
was effected will be most completely understood, by 
comparing what he was at different periods of his life. 

. " Accustomed hitherto to receive only the most 
pleasing accounts from your sons, I feel an additional pang at the 
cruel necessity I am under, of destroying that happiness I had long 
indulged the idea, would last the remainder of your days. You will 
naturally conceive the nature of this melancholy event; but will 
at the same time, I trust, derive comfort and consolation from the 
circumstances attending it, and assist my dear mother in bearing 
her loss with resignation. Poor Wallace is no more; he died of 
his wounds the 15th of last month. He died as he lived, a hero ; 
and a pattern to every young man both in public and private life, 
universally regretted and esteemed. The loss is only on our side. 
His amiable conduct through life has ensured him felicity for 
ever : and as a time must arrive when we must quit all who are 
dear to us, I can conceive no greater alleviation to our grief, than 
tlic object having fallen in his country's service, whilst nobly dis- 
tirigiiisliirig himself, which was the case with my dear brother, who 
had already acquired a high reputation with his brother officers. 
I sliall not attempt to offer consolation ; besides feeling the want 
of it myself, I am convinced your own reflections will have more 
effect than all I could say on the subject. 

" I was in some measure prepared for the melancholy event. 



CHAr. in. SIE JAHLEEL BEENTON. 95 

Admiral Duckworth's account alarmed me, though it left me 
hopes which I suffered myself to indulge when I wrote you from 
Gibraltar. The Admiral with the goodness of heart for which he 
is distinguished, sent me here in hopes of our meeting; a circum- 
stance I shall «ver remember. But whilst I am on the subject of 
gratitude, let me take tlie earliest opportunity of saying, how 
much we are all indebted to Lieutenant W. Pemberton, and his 
amiable wife, for their unwearied care of the poor fellow during his 
illness. To them he owed much of the comfort of his last moments . 
Pemberton seldom left him ; and his wife was ever studying what 
was most grateful to his taste, and that in a country where the 
common necessaries of life were scarcely to be procured. Through 
their friendship, and the general interest every one took in his 
welfare, he wanted for nothing. I have long been in habits of 
intimacy with this worthy couple ; they are now endeared to me ; 
and I trust, some day, to have it in my power to acknowledge 
their kindness. 

" I arrived here late last night, and shall sail immediately for 
Palermo, with dispatches for Lord Nelson. L'Alceste sails 
directly for England; by her you must receive the distressing 
intelligence. I shall avail myself of the same conveyance to sug- 
gest the steps which are likely to be of any service to Edward. 
Captain Western was promoted to Commander, from his brother 
having fallen, before Wallace did, and Edward has the same 
claim. I dont see how Lord Spencer can refuse it, when you 
apply to him. Let me request, my dear Sir, that you will use all 
your interest in his favour with Admiral Young, Lord Hood, or 
any one you think can serve him. I have fortimately had oppor- 
tunities of acquiring myself friends, who I hope will enable me to 
go on by myself, and in some measure compensate for your loss. 
I mean in taking care of my sisters; in other respects I never 
can. I have a power of attorney to receive my brother's pay and 
prize money, which he wished to have laid out, either in an 
annuity for his sisters, or in a purchase, the interest of which 
might be for them, and the principal their property. I think it 
will be something considerable, and shall inform you as soon as 
possible, and request your advice upon the subject. In the mean- 



96 MEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

time, my ever dear Sir, let me entreat you to remember, you have 
still two sons, whose only wishes are your happiness, and that of 
their dear mother and sisters. May my next be of a more cheer- 
ful nature, and that you may see many happy days, is the sincere 
wish of 

" Dear Sir, 
" Your ever dutiful and affectionate Son, 

"JAHLEEL BREi^TON. 
"January 19tli, 1800." 

The Editor is happy in being allowed to add 
from the recently published Nelson Dispatches, a let- 
ter from Lord Nelson, as characteristic of that great 
and gallant man as it is honourable to the subject of 
this memoir. 

Palermo, December, 7th, 1799. 
" Sir, 

" Captain Brenton, of Her Majesty's sloop the 
Speedy, having on the 6th of November, with a convoy from 
the coast of Portugal, when attacked in the Straits by twelve 
Spanish gun boats, displayed uncommon skill and gallantry, in 
saving the sloop under his command, and all his convoy ; I beg 
leave to recommend him to their lordship's notice ; and if the 
merits of a Brother may be allowed to have any weight, I have 
the sorrow to tell you, that he (the brother James Wallace 
Brenton) lost his life, when Lieutenant of the Peterel, attempting, 
with great bravery, to bring off a vessel which the sloop had ruii 
ashore. He died of his wounds a few days ago at Minorca 
Hospital. 

" I have the honour to be, 
"Sir, 
" Your most obedient servant, 

" BRONTE NELSON." 

The Speedy again returned to Gibraltar, and was 
immediately sent off again witli dispatches to the 



Chaf. ITT. SIR JAIILEEL BREXTON. 97 

Commander in chief, then supposed to be off Malta ; 
but on her arrival at St. Paul's bay, Captain Brenton 
found Nelson with his flag in the Foudroyant, and a 
squadron, co-operating with the land forces employed 
in the siege of Valetta. His lordship had recently 
had the satisfaction of seeing another of the French 
fleet, which he had so nearly annihilated in Aboukir 
bay, captured by the Northumberland and Success 
frigate. This was the Genereux. She had been sent 
to Minorca ; and Lord Nelson, after warmly applaud- 
ing Captain Brenton for his conduct, in his late encoun- 
ter with the gun boats at Gibraltar, congratulated him 
upon his being made Post, from information which he 
had received from Lord Keith. The arrangement, by 
which this promotion took place, was that Captain 
Dixon, of the Lion, (the late Admiral Sir Manley 
JDixon) should be removed to the Genereux ; that Lord 
William Stuart commanding the Souverein (the Sheer 
hvik at Gibraltar, which ship at the time was com- 
manded by a Post Captain, and had charge of the 
general duties of the port of Gibraltar) should succeed 
to the Lion, and Captain Brenton to take command of 
the Souverein, to be succeeded in the Speedy b}^ Lord 
Cochrane, who was made Commander. 

The Speedy proceeded through the Phare of Messina 
on her way to Leghorn, where Captain Brenton was 
informed he would find the Commander in chief He 
arrived there on the 1 8th of March, but saw no ship of 
war in the road. He soon however received the melan- 
choly information that the Queen Charlotte, the flag 
ship, had taken fire on the preceding day, and had 

H 



98 MEMOIR OF Chap. III. 

blown up; scarcely two hundred men having been 
saved out of a complement of nearly eight hundred. 
The cause of this dreadful event arose from a quantity 
of hay being taken on board, and placed under the half 
deck, in readiness to be pressed ; an operation that was 
then generally performed by having a strong wooden 
case placed in the after hatchway, to which a screw was 
applied, and a bag fitted to receive the hay, when it was 
brought into a portable compass. This was always a 
most dangerous operation, and should never be per- 
mitted; as the hay when purchased might be pressed 
on shore. Tn the present instance, the hay being 
brought on board loose, was carelessly thrown under 
the half-deck, between the guns. A match tub with a 
lighted match had been left there in readiness for a 
signal gun, and being unobserved by the man who 
carried the first truss of hay, it was covered over by it, 
and the whole space soon filled. The hay must have 
been a long time ignited, but no one coming to it, the fire 
did not shew itself until the moment when the ship get- 
ting under weigh, the wind rushed in through the weather 
ports, and caused it to break out in a fearful volume of 
flames, which catching the mainsail was soon at the mast 
head. Captain Todd, who commanded the ship, with ad- 
mirable presence of mind, caused the anchors to be im- 
mediately let go, which brought the ship head to wind, 
and gave all who could get forward, a chance of saving 
their hvcs. Numerous boats pushed off from Leghorn, as 
soon as the ship was discovered to be on fire, but as 
tliey approached her, her guns becoming heated and 
being sliotted, the Italians were alarmed and could 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 99 

not be persuaded to approach her. Her own boats, such 
as could be got into the water, or were already out, 
were soon filled; and some from the English shipping 
in the harbour, getting under her bows, enabled the 
few who escaped to save their lives. The ship at 
length blew up. Captain Brenton met the few sur- 
vivors of the officers at the Admiral's table at Leghorn 
on his arrival. It was a melancholy party, where 
mixed feelings were evident, and highly contrasted ; 
gratitude for their own escape, being mingled with grief 
at the loss of so many friends and companions. 

Lord Keith presented Captain Brenton with his Post 
commission, and an order to assume the temporary 
command of the Genereux at Port Mahon; until 
Captain Dixon, then employed in the Lion, at the 
siege of Malta, should be relieved by Lord WiUiam 
Stuart. The Speedy sailed immediately for Minorca, 
and Captain Brenton took command of the Genereux 
on the 19th April, 1800; giving up the Speedy to Lord 
Cochrane, who was in charge of the Genereux, having 
brought her in after her capture. 

The Genereux was lying at the dock yard dismantled, 
and with every thing taken out of her, guns included. 
Her crew consisted of two men sent from every ship in 
the fleet, of course not the best ; and two hundred and 
seventy Maltese ; but the latter were invaluable ; and by 
their steadiness and exertion Captain Brenton was 
enabled to get the ship in readiness for sea, and to join 
the Admiral off Genoa, in the month of May. 

Genoa had been invested by the Austrian army for 
nearly six months, and so closely blockaded by the 



100 'memoir of Chap. Ill 

British squadron, that very few vessels could get into 
it. It was obstinately defended by Massena, but re- 
duced to the greatest extremities, for want of pro- 
visions. On the 4th of June it capitulated; but such 
favourable terms were granted to it, by the Austrian 
General, that the French were great gainers, by its 
surrender; as it gave freedom to the army shut up 
w^ithin its walls, and enabled them to contribute greatly 
to the issue of the battle of Marengo, which occurred ten 
days afterwards. It has too often been the fate of Eng- 
land to be involved in these short-sighted treaties, by 
which all the advantage has been forfeited that valour 
and enterprize had gained. 

By the terms of this capitulation British transports 
were to convey the French troops to Nice, with all 
their military baggage; and while receiving it on 
board, a bale, marked military clothing, burst while 
hoisting in, and displayed some beautiful Genoa 
velvet. This occasioned an examination of all the 
packages already on board, and led to the discovery 
of an immense quantity of similar plunder. Massena 
was exceedingly angry at this detection, and accused 
the English of a breach in the terms of the capitulation, 
although it had been acted upon, up to that moment 
to the very letter ; but the fact was, that it deprived 
him of much, which he had expected to carry off with 
impunity. 

About 12 o'clock on the 4th of June the squadron 
entered the harbour of Genoa, and at once fired a royal 
salute in honour of the birth-day of their sovereign. 
The scene was truly beautiful; presenting as it did 



Chap. III. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 101 

that superb city, rising above the shores of the bay, and 
its harbour covered with boats, with splendidly deco- 
rated flags, and filled with gaily dressed people of both 
sexes. These boats thronged round the British ships, 
and shewed but too plainly the misery that had been 
endured by the wretched inhabitants. The countenan- 
ces of the company, ghastly with famine and disease, 
but ill accorded with their gay, and often rich costume. 
Many were too feeble to mount the side of the ships; 
and men as well as women were happy to have the aid 
of the chair for that purpose. The declared object of 
the visit was to pay respect to the British flag ; but the 
real one was to obtain food at the earliest possible 
period. They were gladly received. The cabin, the 
ward room, and in short every part of the ship was 
filled by them, and a succession of meals brought upon 
every table, as one party was succeeded by another. 
But the most delightful circumstance connected with 
this day, was to see the British seamen, handing out of 
the ports, their own rations of provisions to the starv- 
ing multitude who could not get on board. On their 
landing, the English officers observed the streets on 
each side strewed with the dead and dying ; and 
although on the opening of the gates, immediately after 
the surrender, an abundance of provisions was poured in, 
it was long before the people again enjoyed the blessings 
of plenty ; disease invariably accompanying famine, and 
shortening life, when the means of supporting it were 
restored. 



102 MEMOIR OF Chap. IY. 



CHAPTER IV. 



DISAPPOINTMENT OF PROMOTION. — APPLIES TO LORD ST. VINCENT, AND THROUGH 
HIM APPOINTED CAPTAIN TO THE C^SAR, UNDER SIR JAMES SAUMAREZ. — 
BATTLE AT ALGESIRAS. — EXERTIONS OF CAPTAIN BRENTON IN REFITTING THE 
CESAR, AND SUBSEQUENT VICTORY. — TEMPTING OFFER OF GOING TO ENGLAND 
WITH DISPATCHES DECLINED. — DEFINITIVE TREATY OF PEACE SIGNED. — 
SQUADRON AT GIBRALTAR. 



On the 1 4th of June Captain Brenton being superseded 
by Captain Dixon, left Genoa in the CuUoden for 
Minorca, on his way to join his ship at Gibraltar, and 
from Mahon proceeded to Gibraltar in the Mondovi. 
On his arrival at Gibraltar he had the mortification to 
find the Souverein had been paid oflP, in consequence of 
an altercation between Lord Wm. Stuart and the Com- 
missioner ; and he received orders to return to England 
on half pay. The disappointment was the more severe, 
as Captain Brenton had been assured by Lord Keith, 
that the Souverein was to be considered as a stepping 
stone to Post rank ; and that every vacancy in a Post 
ship was to be filled up from her, consequently that the 
last made l^ost Captain would always have that appoint- 
ment. He was also well aware of the difficulty which 
existed in England of getting employed from half pay ; 



Chap. IV. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 103 

that it was only those that were in the stream that 
were carried along with it; whilst many officers, who 
had gained their promotion by a succession of gallant 
achievements, were passing their days in helpless indo- 
lence. They had got into the eddy, and had the mor- 
tification of seeing those whom they had left far behind, 
bringing up the breeze, and passing by them. 

This was particularly the case with the greater part 
of the first lieutenants of line of battle-ships, promoted 
after general actions. They had received the rank of 
Commander with the delight so natural to the attain- 
ment of such a step : but wanting interest to obtain a 
command, they were soon forgotten ; and many had to 
regret that they had gained their promotion. 

Captain Br en ton embarked in the Anson from 
Gibraltar, in July; and in crossing the Bay of Biscay 
they fell in with the Louisa, armed brig, on her way to 
join Earl St. Vincent, who had now the command of 
the channel fleet, and was cruizing off Brest, with his 
flag in the Royal George. Captain Brenton availed 
himself of this opportunity of seeing his kind-hearted 
and noble chief again, to whom he was so truly indebted 
for relieving him from a situation, in which he felt him- 
self disgraced ; and for bringing him on, step by step, to 
that situation in his profession, from which he could 
only rise farther by seniority. He accordingly left the 
Anson, and in a few days after came in sight of the 
fleet. He Avas received by Earl St. Vincent with the 
warmest regard, who not only sincerely congratulated 
him upon his promotion, of which indeed he had him- 
self been the cause, but thanked him in the most flatter- 



104 



JMEMOIR OF 



Chap. IV. 



ing terms for the conduct which had led to it. He 
then said, " I will now give you a letter to Lord Spencer, 
requesting him to give you a ship, and should he not do 
so immediately, I desire you to join me in Tor bay 
without loss of time. I shall be there in the course of 
a week, when I shall expect to see you, unless you 
receive an appointment." He then wrote to Lord 
Spencer in the strongest terms, recommending Captain 
Brenton for immediate employment; adverting to 
the circumstance of his having gained both his Com- 
mander's and his Post commission in action with the 
enemy. 

Captain Brenton arrived the following day at Ply- 
mouth, and proceeded to London, where he delivered his 
letter to Lord Spencer. His lordship holding out no 
hopes of immediate employment, Captain Brenton set 
out for Portsmouth, with the intention of proceeding to 
Torbay by the first ship going thither. He accord- 
ingly went on board the Prince of Wales, Sir Robert 
Calder's flag ship ; and soon found himself on board the 
Ville de Paris, with his noble patron. His situation 
here was of an extraordinary description, and not with- 
out some degree of unpleasantness. The officers were, 
many of them, those who had been his messmates in 
the same ship, previously to his being made a com- 
mander out of her into the Speedy. They considered, 
and justly, that he had already had his share of pro- 
motion ; and were apprehensive that his coming back to 
serve as a volunteer, might interfere with some vacancy 
to which they might be looking. This was a feeling 
very naturally to be expected, and for which every 



Chap. IV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 105 

allowance should be made ; whilst even as regarded the 
captain of the fleet, and the captain of the ship, he did 
not feel quite certain that they might approve a non- 
descript officer, although in their conduct they shewed 
only the kindest attention. 

With these feelings upon his mind. Captain Brenton 
walking the deck one morning with the Admiral, said 
to him, " My lord, I do not like this kind of life ; T 
have no business of my own to do." His lordship 
answered, " I have been thinking you would not — and 
it has struck me that I might give you the Joseph cut- 
ter, commanded by Lieutenant Lapenotiere; that you 
might visit the in-shore squadron ; and so give you an 
introduction to Sir James Saumarez, the commodore. 
You might there amuse yourself by making observa- 
tions on the French coast ; and when tired of your 
excursion, you may rejoin me either here or off Ushant, 
or in Torbay as it may be ; as I mean to bear up for 
that place, with the first westerly gale." 

Captain Brenton was delighted with the plan, and 
joyfully accepted it. It was not only agreeable in 
every point of view at the time, but in the end it led to 
the most beneficial results, as regarded his professional 
life, by leading to his appointment as the flag captain 
of that great and good man, the late Lord de Saumarez. 
He was received with the utmost kindness by Sir 
James ; and having passed some days in the squadron, 
landing occasionally upon the islands off Brest; he 
returned to the Ville de Paris, just as a gale of wind 
was springing up, and on the following day the fleet 
anchored in Torbay. 



106 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

Lord St. Vincent always resided while on shore at Torr 
Abbey, and having introduced Captain Brenton to Mr. 
Carey, the hospitable master of the mansion, he became 
one of the family for some weeks. A great naval promo*- 
tion being at this time expected. Lord St. Vincent made 
it a particular request, that Sir James Saumarez should be 
included in it, and have his flag flying in the Csesar, as 
one of the junior admirals in the channel fleet. He at 
the same time wrote to Sir James, informing him of his 
having made this application; and requesting, in the 
event of its being successful, that he would have Captain 
Brenton appointed as his captain. This Sir James most 
kindly and readily granted; and on the 1st January, 
1800, Captain Brenton received his commission for the 
Csesar, and joined her at Spithead a few days after. 

In February they proceeded to Torbay, and from 
thence Sir James resumed his station ofl" Brest. This 
was a most arduous service in winter time, when the 
gales from the westward came on so suddenly, and with 
so much violence, that it was scarcely possible to clear 
the land. The Black Rocks however lost much of their 
terrors upon Sir James Saumarez resorting to the 
anchorage in Douanenez bay, which he did in the pre- 
ceding November; convinced that the enemy w^ould 
not dare to attack him there, from the apprehension 
that the British fleet might come over from the opposite 
coast, cither during or after the attack; in which case 
the whole of their attacking force, with whatever ships 
they might have captured, would fall into our hands. 
It is true it required much nerve to run for the Cul do Sac 
ill n lifvivy gale, with mortar batteries crossing each other 



Chap. TV. SIR JAHLEEL BIIENTON. 107 

from the Bee du Rez, and the Bee du Chevre ; and with 
a shoal in the centre of the entrance. The master of the 
Caesar however was a very skilful man, and an excellent 
pilot. He unhesitatingly took the charge, and anchored 
the squadron in the eastern part of the bay, just with- 
out the range of the shells from the batteries, and with 
only one point of the compass open to the sea. Upon 
the last occasion the squadron consisted of six sail of the 
line, and a frigate. The gale lasted three days, and 
upon its subsiding, Sir James left his anchorage, and 
resumed his station off the Black Rocks, having his ships 
and crews refreshed by the repose he had procured 
them, instead of being crippled and exhausted by being 
continually exposed to a heavy sea. 

In the month of April a cutter joined the fleet, bring- 
ing a weekly newspaper of extraordinary importance, in 
which was included Lord Nelson^s destruction of the 
Danish block ships at Copenhagen, and the landing of 
the British army in Egypt, with the subsequent 
victories. The Admiral directed that it should be 
read to the ship's company, who were accordingly 
assembled for the purpose, and gave three hearty 
cheers on hearing the news. 

In the latter end of May Sir James was ordered into 
Plymouth, to take the command of a squadron about to 
assemble there for a particular service ; to the great joy 
of every officer and man on board the Ca3sar, who were 
heartily tired of the blockade of Brest ; and who were 
elated with the hope, of at length seeing more active 
service. The squadron assembled in Cawsand bay, 
consisting of the Ciesar and Pompee of eighty guns, 



108 MEMOIR OF Chap. IY. 

with the Hannibal, Audacious, and Spencer of seventy- 
four guns each. They sailed from Plymouth on the 
15th of June, and reached Lisbon four days after- 
wards; and having sent in despatches to the British 
ambassador, continued their course for Cadiz, where 
they arrived in the latter end of June. On the 5th 
of July the first battle of Algesiras took place, as 
detailed in the following official letter. 

London Gazette, August 1st, 1801. 

Copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Sir James Saumarez to Evan 
Nepean, Esq. dated on board H.M.S. Caesar, at Gibraltar, 
6th July. 

" Sir, 

" I have to request you will be pleased to inform 
my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that conformably to 
my letter of yesterday's date, I stood through the straits, with his 
Majesty's squadron under my orders, with the intention of attack- 
ing three French line of battle ships, and a frigate that I had 
received information of being at anclior off Algesiras. On open- 
ing Cabritta point, I found the ships lay at a considerable distance 
from the enemy's batteries, and having a leading wind up to them, 
afforded every reasonable hope of success in the attack. I had 
previously directed Captain Hood, in the Venerable, from his 
experience, and knowledge of the anchorage, to lead the squadron, 
wliich he executed with his accustomed gallantry ; and although 
it was not intended that he should anchor, he found himself under 
the necessity so to do, from the wind failing, (a circumstance so 
much to be apprehended in this country) to which circumstance, I 
liavc to regret the want of success, in this well intended enterprize. 
Captain Stirling anchored opposite to the inner ship of the enemy, 
and brought the Pompee to action, in the most spirited and gallant 
inauner, wliicli was followed by the commanders of every ship in 
the squadron. Captains Darhy and Ferris, owing to light winds 



Chap. IV. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 109 

were prevented, for a considerable time from coming into action ; 
at length, the Hannibal getting a breeze, Captain Ferris had the 
most favourable prospect of being alongside one of the enemy's 
ships, when the Hannibal unfortunately took the ground, and I 
am extremely concerned to acquaint their Lordships, that, after 
having made every possible effort, with this ship and the Auda- 
cious, to cover her from the enemy, I was under the necessity to 
make sail, being at the time only three cables length from one of 
the enemy's batteries. 

" My thanks are particularly due to all the captains, officers, and 
men under my orders ; and although their endeavours have not 
been crowned with success, I trust the thousands of spectators 
from his Majesty's garrison, and also the surrounding coast, will 
do justice to their valour and intrepidity, which were not to be 
checked from the numerous batteries (however formidable) that 
surround Algesiras. 

" I feel it incumbent on me to state to their Lordships the great 
merits of Captain Brenton of the Caesar, whose cool judgment, 
and intrepid conduct, I will venture to pronounce were never sur- 
passed. I also beg leave to recommend to their Lordships' notice, 
my flag lieutenant, Mr. Phillip Dumaresq, who has served with 
me from the commencement of this war, and is a most deserving 
officer ; Mr. Lansborne, and the other lieutenants, are also entitled 
to great praise ; as well as Captain Maxwell, of the marines, and 
the officers of his corps, serving on board the Cassar. 

The enemy's ships consisted of two of eighty-four guns, and one 
of seventy-four, with a large frigate ; two of the former are 
aground, and the whole are rendered totally unserviceable. I 
cannot close this letter without rendering the most ample justice 
to the great bravery of Captain Ferris. The loss in his ship must 
have been very considerable, both in officers and men ; but I have 
the satisfaction to be informed that his Majesty has not lost so 
valuable an officer. 

^' I have the honour to be, &c. &c. 

" JAMES SAUMAREZ. 

'' P.S. The Honourable Captain Dundas, of his Majesty's 



110 :MEM0IR of Chap. IY. 

Polacre the Calpe, made his vessel as useful as possible, and kept 
up a spirited fire on one of the enemy's batteries; I have also to 
express my approbation of Lieutenant Janverin, commander of 
the o'un boats, who having joined me with intelligence, served as a 
volunteer on board the Caesar.'^ 

The manner in which, the interval between this action 
and that which succeeded it within a week's distance, 
was passed, must be described by the subject of this 
Memoir himself. He says, " On the Caesar anchoring 
at Gibraltar after this disastrous affair, the Admiral 
sent me on shore, to communicate with the Governor, 
(General O'Hara), who expressed much regret at the 
fate of the day, but was truly sensible of the efforts 
that had been made to ensure success. 

" Before my return on board, the Admiral had re- 
tired to his cot, and in a state of mind which may be 
easily conceived by those to whom his character was 
known ; so sensitive, and at the same time so devoted, 
to his country. He felt most keenly the apprehension 
that the important service, for which he had been 
despatched from England, might be frustrated by the 
unfortunate, and totally unexpected termination of the 
attack. On the following morning, he sent mc with a 
flag of truce to the French Admiral at Algesiras, who 
on my boat coming within range of his guns, threw a 
shot over us. I immediately laid upon my oars, as a boat 
witli a corresponding flag of truce was seen pulling 
towards mc. On coming within hail, the French officer 
demanded what was the object of my mission; but I 
declined delivering it to any but Admiral Linois him- 
self I was tlicn I'cqucsted to wait until the officer 



Chap. IV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. Ill 

could obtain further orders. He soon returned with 
directions for the Caesar's boat to follow to the Formid- 
able, the French flag ship. Here I was received by a 
guard, forming a double line from the gangway to the 
cabin door ; and when in the cabin, I was enclosed in a 
circle of officers, in the centre of which stood the Ad- 
miral. I then delivered my message from the British 
Admiral; which was, that an exchange of prisoners 
might immediately take place, which M. Linois declined ; 
on the ground of requiring authority for such a measure 
from the Minister of marine, at Paris. 1 then requested 
that the officers of the Hannibal should be sent over on 
parole, which was acceded to, and I withdrew; the 
French Admiral conducting me to the gangway, in the 
same manner as I had entered the ship ; begging that 
I would request the Admiral, that on any further com- 
munication he might have to make to him, it should not be 
by an officer of rank, but by a 'petit midshipman.' It 
was evident that M. Linois was unwilling that the crip- 
pled state of his ship should be too minutely observed; 
and hence the arrangement of the guard and officers, 
which effectually screened the internal state of the ship 
from observation ; but I was amply indemnified by seeing 
the outward damages, which could not be concealed. 

" On my return the Csesar had warped into the Mole, 
and was proceeding to strike the masts. Both mainmast 
and foremast had been severely wounded, the former so 
much so, as to be unfit for service; and the foremast 
required extensive fishing. All the wounded were sent 
to the hospital ; and the killed in the squadron sent on 
shore for burial. The funeral of the officers — the mas- 



112 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

ters of the Caesar and Pompee, and a midshipman of 
the latter, who were buried with the honom-s of war, 
formed a most imposing and affecting spectacle, from 
the great number of troops drawn out upon the occa- 
sion, and from the whole population of the rock being 
spectators." 

On the 9th day of July, three days after the battle 
of Algesiras, the Superb, and Thames, were seen under 
a crowd of sail, steering through the straits of Gibraltar ; 
and soon after the Spanish squadron of six sail of the 
line, was observed in pursuit of them. The British 
ships anchored in Gibraltar bay, and the enemy hauled 
their wind for Algesiras, where they anchored with the 
French squadron, evidently with a view of conveying 
them round to Cadiz. Sir James Saumarez convinced 
that such was the intention, at once decided upon 
attacking them with four ships, as it was considered 
utterly impossible for either the Pompse or Caesar to be 
in readiness. He sent for Captain Brenton into his 
cabin, and informing him of the resolution he had come 
to, directed that his flag should forthwith be shifted 
into the Audacious, and that the crews of the Caesar 
and Pompee should be distributed amongst the other 
ships. Captain Brenton acknowledged the expediency 
of the flag being shifted, and the probability that the 
Caesar would not be refitted in time to receive it again, 
before the enemy left Algesiras ; but requested the Ad- 
miral to permit him to make the effort, by keeping his 
people on board, until the enemy were seen to be get- 
ting under sail, to which Sir James consented. 

Captain l5renton turning the hands up, informed the 



Chap. IV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 113 

crew of the Admiral's intention, and called upon them 
to use every exertion to put their ship in a state to bear 
their Admiral's flag again into battle, should the enemy 
give them an opportunity. An universal cry was heard 
of all hands, "All night and all day." This however 
Captain Brenton would not permit ; but he employed the 
whole ship's company, from four in the morning until 
eight in the evening ; of the remaining eight hours, each 
watch was alternately allowed four of repose. He alone 
slept not, for his active mind, and ardent disposition, 
were wound up to the highest pitch of excitement ; and 
he has been heard himself to describe, the overwhelm- 
ing sense of sleep and weariness, by which he was over- 
come, when these exertions were happily terminated. 

By the most strenuous efforts of every individual 
concerned, on the morning of the 12th the new main- 
mast had been got in and rigged, and the other damages 
in some measure repaired. We extract a few more 
particulars from Captain Brenton's note, " A great, 
though not a visible progress,'' he says, " was soon 
made; indeed the latter circumstance was avoided as 
much as possible, in order to prevent the enemy sup- 
posing that any attack was intended. The following 
day was an arduous one, and on Saturday the 11th, so 
much appeared yet to be done, that the Admiral, who 
had never been very sanguine in the hope of having the 
Caesar ready, again urged me to send the people away, 
lest they should suffer so much from fatigue, that they 
might become unfit for the exertions, they would be • 
called upon to make, in the action about to take place. 
He added, " you now have done all in your power ; 

I 



114 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

you must make up your mind to the disappointment. '' 
I replied, " you are now going on shore to dine at 
the Governor's ; excuse my attending 3^ou, and if, when 
you return on board in the evening, the ship is not 
ready, I promise to have the people all ready for dis- 
tribution, when you give the orders." To this the Ad- 
miral consented, and went on shore. It became now 
necessary rather to shew progress, than to conceal it ; 
the top gallant yards were accordingly got up, and the 
yards crossed, and sails bent, before the different parts 
of the rigging were in the order necessary for getting 
under weigh. The Admiral on his return was delighted 
at what he saw, and relinquished all idea of removing 
into the Audacious. 

The enemy at the same time were in movement in 
Algesiras bay. By two o'clock p.m. the Caesar warped 
out of the Mole, and was at the same time employed in 
bending sails, setting up rigging, filling powder, receiv- 
ing stores of every description from boats alongside, 
and preparing for battle ; the band on the poop play- 
ing, " Cheer up my lads,'' which was answered by a 
regimental band on the Mole, with " Britons, strike 
home." The animation of this scene cannot be de- 
scribed, but the recollection of it must have continued 
vivid in the breast of the chief mover of these heroic 
exertions. Tlic scene no doubt was peculiar, and the 
iujpressions loft by it can be more easily conceived 
tlian described, when the two squadrons, occupying 
their respective sides of a small bay, separated from 
eacli otlior by a distance of only four miles, were 
mutually engaged in preparations for combat. Thousands 



Chap. IV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 115 

of spectators, occupied the surrounding hills and 
shores; the sea was covered with the numerous boats 
employed by the ships of war. And the general 
excitement which every where reigned, can only be 
imagined ; as well as the feelings of Captain Brenton, 
when he made the signal of being ready for service, 
and again received the flag of his respected and gallant 
Admiral. 

It was almost one of the latest efforts of Captain 
Brenton's pencil to recall the triumphant moment of the 
Csesar warping out of the Mole, under the circumstances 
which have been described. He has often expressed the 
powerful excitement, which even the recollection of this 
period occasioned ; and he never could give the narrative, 
even to the latest period of his life, without the most 
thrilling sensation. The particulars of the action will 
be found in the following official dispatch, and the 
results which followed these exertions must be given 
in the language of the letter in which Sir James 
Saumarez communicated his victory. 



C^sAK, OFF Cape Trafalgar, July 13, 1801. 



Sir, 



" It has pleased the Almighty to crown the exertions 
of this squadron, with the most decisive success over the enemies of 
their country. The three French line of battle ships, disabled in 
the action of the 6th instant, off Algesiras, were on the 8th rein- 
forced by a squadron of five Spanish line of battle ships, under the 
command of Don Juan Joaquin de Marino, and a French ship of 
seventy-four guns, bearing a broad pendant, besides three frigates, 
and an incredible number of gun boats, and other vessels, and got 



116 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

under sail yesterday morning, together with his Majesty's ship 
Hannibal, which they had succeeded in getting off the shoal on 
which she struck. I almost despaired of having a sufficient force 
in readiness to oppose such numbers, but through the great exer- 
tions of Captain Brenton, the officers, and men belonging to the 
Cjesar, the ship was in readiness to warp out of the Mole yester- 
day morning, and got under weigh immediately after with all the 
squadron, except the Pompee, which ship had not time to get in 
her masts. 

" Confiding in the zeal and intrepidity of the officers and the 
men I had the happiness to serve with, I determined, if possible, 
to obstruct the passage of this very powerful force to Cadiz. Late 
in the evening I observed the enemy's ships to have cleai'ed Cab- 
ritta point ; and at eight I bore up with the squadron, to stand 
after them ; his Majesty's ship. Superb, being stationed ahead of 
the Caesar. I directed Captain Keats to make sail, and attack the 
sternmost ships in the enemy's rear, using his endeavours to keep 
in shore of them. At eleven the Superb opened her fire close to 
the enemy's ships ; and on the Caesar coming up, and preparing to 
engage a three decker, that had hauled her wind, she was perceived 
to have taken fire, and the flames having communicated to a ship 
to leeward of her, both were seen in a blaze, and presented a most 
awful sight. No possibility existing of offering the least assistance 
in so distressing a situation ; the Caesar passed to close with the 
ship engaged by the Superb, but by the cool and determined fire 
kept upon her, which must ever reflect the highest credit on that 
ship, the enemy's ship was completely silenced, and soon after 
hauled down her colours. 

"The Venerable and Spencer having at this time come up, I 
bore up after the enemy, who were carrying a press of sail, stand- 
ing out of the straits, and lost sight of them during the night. It 
blew excessively hard until dayhght ; and in the morning the only 
ships in company were the Venerable and Thames, ahead of the 
Caesar, and one of the French ships at some distance from them, 
standing towards the shoal of Conil, besides the Spencer astern, 
coming up. 

"All the ships immediately made sail, with a fresh breeze; but 



Chap. IV, SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 117 

as we approached, the wind suddenly failing, the Venerable was 
alone able to bring her into action, which Captain Hood did in the 
most gallant manner, and had nearly silenced the French ship 
when his mainmast (which had been before wounded) was unfor- 
tunately shot away, and it coming nearly calm, the enemy's ship 
was enabled to get off, without any possibility of following her. 

" The highest praise is due to Captain Hood, the officers, and 
men of the Venerable, for their spirit and gallantry in the action, 
which entitled them to better success. The French ship was an 
eighty-four, with additional guns on the gunwale. 

" This action was so near the shore that the Venerable struck on 
one of the shoals, but was soon after got off, and taken in tow by 
the Thames, but with the loss of her masts. The enemy's ships are 
now in sight, to the westward, standing in for Cadiz. The Superb 
and Audacious, with the captured ship, are also in sight, with the 
Carlotta, Portuguese frigate, commanded by Captain Crawford 
Duncan, who very handsomely came out with the squadron, and 
has been of the greatest assistance to Captain Keats, in staying by 
the enemy's ship, captured by the Superb. 

" I am proceeding with the squadron for Rosier bay, and shall 
proceed the moment the ships are refitted, to resume my station. 
No praises that I can bestow are adequate to the merits of the 
officers and ships' companies of all the squadron ; particularly for 
their unremitted exertions in refitting the ships at Gibraltar, to 
which, in a great degree, is to be ascribed the success of the 
squadron against the enemy. 

" Although the Spencer and Audacious had not the good fortune 

to partake of this action, I have no doubt of their exertions, had 

they come up in time, to close with the enemy's ships. My thanks 

are also due to Captain Holies, of the Thames, and to the 

Honourable Captain Dundas, of the Calpe, whose assistance was 

particularly useful to Captain Keats, in securing the enemy's ship, 

and enabling the Superb to stand after the squadron, in case of 

being able to renew the action. 

I have the honour to be, &c. &c. 

"J. SAUMAREZ. 
" Evan Nefean, Esq." 



118 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

The following circumstances not being mentioned in 
the official dispatch are taken from Captain Brenton's 
notes. " At eight o'clock the Venerable made the 
signal for being on a shoal, and her foremast was seen 
to go over her side. Sir James ordered me to proceed 
to her in my gig; and to give directions to Captain 
Hood, not to run any risk of losing his men, but to 
abandon the ship, and burn her if necessary; as the 
whole remaining ships of the enemy were approaching 
from the westward, whilst the Superb, Spencer, and 
Audacious were still at a considerable distance to the 
southward. The Thames frigate was at the same time 
ordered to close with the Venerable, to be in readiness 
to receive her men. As I approached, her mizen mast 
fell, and she was still striking hard upon the shoal, com- 
pletely dismasted. On reaching the quarter deck, I 
found Captain Hood sitting upon a gun, surrounded by 
his little midshipmen, who were looking earnestly at the 
gallant Captain, with a view of ascertaining how he 
would act in the extremity in which he was placed. 
Having heard my message, he said, ' I hope the Vener- 
able is not so far gone yet, but we may save her ; but 
tell the Admiral to let the Thames stay by me, and I 
will take care she does not get into the enemy's hands.' 
The Venerable was got off by the great exertions of 
Captain Hood.'' 

Ca})tain Brenton again speaks for himself, he says, 
" The A(hniral informed mo that it was his intention to 
coiniiiit tlic dispatches of this glorious victory to my 
charge, to be conveyed to England, and directed me to 
prepare for my immediate departure; but I was im- 



Chap. IY. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 119 

pressed with a very strong expectation, that the 
struggle was not yet over, but that Gantheaume might 
be hourly expected through the straits, and conse- 
quently that another action might ensue. I therefore 
resisted the temptation, which this most flattering mis- 
sion held out to me, and requested that I might be 
permitted to remain in charge of my ship. The Ad- 
miral in consequence sent home his flag lieutenant with 
the account of the action, and the squadron proceeded 
to Gibraltar to repair their damages, and to be again 
in readiness for an action which few doubted would 
take place." The whole merit, and self denial, and 
patriotism of this decision, can only be made evident 
when the fact is stated, that the object of Captain 
Brenton's early and constant affections, was at this 
precise time expected in England with her brother. It 
is a singular circumstance that the first news Miss 
Stewart heard upon her arrival in England related 
to the battles of Algesiras. 

Captain Brenton's memoirs referring to this period, 
continues to be full of interesting details. " The rock of 
Gibraltar had as picturesque an appearance on the 
return of the little squadron, as it shewed on the day of 
their departure. Every battery, or pinnacle of rock, 
which overhung the bay, was crowded with spectators, 
all cheering and waving hats and handkerchiefs. The 
acclamations mingled with a royal salute from the bat- 
teries (congratulatory to majesty) re-echoed over the 
bay, and the Admiral's landing was most triumphant. 
He was received, as was most justly his due, in the 



120 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

most distinguislied, I may add, the most affectionate 
manner. All who had witnessed his gallantry and 
devoted conduct in the preceding week, and felt for 
his misfortune, now sincerely rejoiced in the change. 
They considered that defeat had never existed ; but that 
the action began on the 6th, and had been kept up, 
with inexhaustible energy through the week, termi- 
nating on the 13th with complete success. The ships 
were soon refitted, as none but the Venerable had 
received much damage. 

" On visiting the hospital on my tour of duty a few 
days after the battle, I observed a poor fellow, belong- 
ing to the Audacious, who had lost both his arms, 
above the elbow. He was quite cheerful, and evidently 
rapidly recovering. I asked what were his wishes for 
the future ; whether to be sent to Greenwich Hospital, 
or to have a pension for life, in the place of his nativity. 
He replied, ' 1 hope, your honour, it is not so bad with 

me yet ; I know the cook of the ; he has lost both 

his arms ; but there is not a handier fellow in the fleet.' 

"On the day on which the Caesar left the Mole, as I 
have mentioned, for the purpose of attacking the com- 
bined squadron, and while lying to, off Europa point ; a 
small boat was seen, with two men in white dresses, 
pulling off to the ship ; and on coming alongside they 
proved to be two of the Caesar's crew, who had been 
wounded at Algcsiras, and sent to the hospital. Hav- 
ing applied to the surgeon for permission to return on 
board ; and being refused on account of their wounds 
being still under cure, they actually ran away in their 



Chap. IV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 121 

hospital garb, and finding a boat on the beach, took 
possession, and pulled off to join their Commander." 

When a ship's company was actuated by such a 
spirit, it was hardly possible to doubt of the success 
that would attend them; but it may be well to bear 
in mind, that the spirit which secured this victory 
was formed previous to the crisis in which it was 
needed, and the hour of action in which it was exhi- 
bited ; and that attachment to the individuals by whom 
they were led, and confidence in their commanders, 
added this extraordinary character of vigor to the 
natural energy and courage of the men. 

Officers who would wish to have around them, in the 
day of action, or in the hour of great exertigns, a crew 
like that of the Caesar, must be known among their 
people as Sir James De Saumarez and Captain Bren- 
ton were ; must secure affection by shewing it, and by 
kindness and attention must win the hearts of those 
who are to be the means of their success, or the instru- 
ments of their preservation. 

Tn the latter end of August Sir James Saumarez 
resumed the blockade of Cadiz, but was soon after 
superseded in his command by Vice Admiral Sir 
Charles Pole, to whom he became second in command. 
Thus he remained until the news arrived of the 
definitive treaty of peace having been signed ; when 
Sir Charles returned to England; and the squadron 
again under Sir James Saumarez took up their an- 
chorage for the winter at Gibraltar. They had 
frequent intercourse with the Spaniards at this time, 



122 MEMOIR OF Chap. IV. 

and Captain Brenton took an early opportunity of 
enquiring after his gallant antagonist, Captain Suade- 
ville, who commanded the gun boats in their attack 
upon the Speedy, in November, 1799, which, if 
his conduct had been as faithfully supported by others 
as it shewed enterprize on his part, might have been 
attended with other results. The Governor sent for 
him, and a cordial meeting was the consequence. 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 123 



CHAPTER V. 



RETUR^fS TO ENGLAND. — RECOLLECTIONS OF THE C^SAR AND THE CHAPLAIN. — 
MARRIED TO MISS STEWART. — REFLECTIONS ON THIS EVENT, MADE AFTER 
HER DEATH. — HOSTILITIES RECOMMENCED IN 1801, AND APPOINTED TO THE 
COMMAND OF THE MINERVE. — DANGEROUS ACCIDENT AND INJURY DURING 
THE FITTING OUT THE FRIGATE. — SAILS FOR THE COAST OF FRANCE. — 
THE SHIP STRIKES OFF CHERBOURG, AND AFTER A GALLANT DEFENCE IS 
SURRENDERED, JULY 3. 



Early in February Captain Brenton received an 
account of his father's death ; and as peace had now 
taken place, he was urged to return to England 
at the earliest opportunity. This, however, was a 
measure which he could not reconcile himself to, until 
the definitive treaty had been signed, or a general 
recall of the squadron had taken place. In the 
beginning of March, orders arrived from England that 
a part of the squadron, left under the command of Sir 
James Saumarez, should be sent immediately to the 
West Indies, to watch the motions of a detachment of 
French ships of the line, about to proceed to that part 
of the world, with the expressed intention of recovering 
the island of St. Domingo from the empire of the blacks. 
But under such a ruler as Buonaparte, the French were 
not to be trusted with a very large force, in the 
immediate vicinity of some of our richest possessions. 



124 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

On the first arrival of the news of the prehminary 
treaty being signed, the crews of the squadron off Cadiz 
testified the most extraordinary manifestations of joy 
and dehght. They flew to the rigging and cheered 
loudly ; many of them actually throwing their hats up 
in the air, to the almost certainty of losing them, and 
even lacking their shoes overboard : this was particu- 
larly the case in the St. George. 

But when the order was given out for the detachment 
to proceed from Gibraltar to the West Indies, a general 
murmur of disappointment and discontent was heard 
throughout the ships selected; and the crews of some actu- 
ally refused to weigh the anchor. The Admiral with his 
Captain went on board these ships ; and it was only by his 
authority, backed by the steadiness of the faithful marines, 
that the men could be induced to return to their duty. 
Captain Brenton says, " This ill humour shewed itself in 
other ships, and the cables were hove in with a very 
snail-like movement, until all at once a French squadron 
of several sail of the line appeared off Europa point 
under a crowd of sail, on their way from Toulon to 
St. Domingo. No arguments were then needed. The 
capstans flew round like lightning; all was alacrity 
and energy, and the British sailor was himself again. 
Every ship was under weigh, and every sail spread, 
before the French could get far off; and they pro- 
ceeded in company to the West Indies. There are 
fine traits in the character of the true British seamen. 
They nevei* fail in the time of need. Give them your 
confidence, and depend upon them. Steadiness and 
consistency of discipline will always control them. 



Chap. Y. SIR JAHLEEL BREXTOX. 125 

Irritated as they had been by the severity of their 
disappointment, they now saw that there was a reason 
sufficient for it, and obeyed with alacrity ; and I have 
no doubt they secretly regretted the pain they had 
given the Admiral, for want of knowing what, he could 
not, consistently with his duty, communicate to them." 

In the middle of March, definitive arrangements 
having been made for the reduction of the squadron. 
Captain Brenton, anxious to return to England, re- 
quested Sir James Saumarez to permit him to exchange 
with Captain Downman into the Santa Dorothea frigate, 
then under orders for England. The Admiral having 
consented, the Captain quitted the Csesar, but not 
without great regret, from having enjoyed so much 
happiness in her, and seen so much brilliant service 
under his warm friend, his kind-hearted and gallant 
Admiral. 

" Perhaps no ship in the British navy had ever enjoyed 
more comfort and harmony than the Csesar ; and much 
of this was undoubtedly owing to the conduct of the 
Chaplain, the Reverend Evan Holiday, who was indefa- 
tigable in every part of his duty. And as it is impor- 
tant to shew, how far benefit may arise to a ship's com- 
pany from the Chaplain's influence, independent of the 
weekly instruction, to which he is bound by the articles 
of war on the Sabbath, it may not be amiss to describe 
Mr. H.'s system. In the first place his conduct was so 
correct, and so accordant with his sacred functions, in his 
intercourse with his messmates, that the same guarded 
and decorous manners, were preserved by them, whilst 
he was present in the ward-room, as though a lady 



126 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

had been present; and that alone was a great point 
where so many young and high-spirited men were col- 
lected together, in all the thoughtlessness and buoyancy 
of early life ; whilst at the same time he never assumed 
authority, or discouraged innocent mirth; and on the 
contrar}'', was upon the kindest and most intimate terms 
with all. His public duties were most carefully and 
religiously performed. It was thought, and perhaps 
correctly, that his preaching was too exclusively moral ; 
but it was according to the light he had acquired; and 
was most conscienciously given, as the best instruction 
he had to impart. His sermons were generally, it might 
almost be said always, applicable to existing circum- 
stances, and had reference to some event, or some person, 
which it seemed expedient to advert to. He was most 
successful also in preventing the infliction of punish- 
ment, as well as in preventing the crimes which called 
for it. No sooner was a man put into the master at 
arms list as a culprit, than Mr. H. was in communica- 
tion with him ; got at his character, his motives, and the 
circumstances which had led him to commit the fault. 
It thus often happened, that he found out such favourable 
points, as enabled him to recommend the culprit to 
mercy, and to induce the Captain to pardon him, on 
such recommendation coming from such a quarter; 
when otherwise he could not have done it without 
wounding the feelings of the officer, who had made 
the complaint ; and doing injury to the discipline of the 
ship. One very remarkable instance of the success 
of tliis benevolent exercise of his duty may be 
iiaiiicd as an cxliibitiou of his general practice. One 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 127 

of the seamen of the Csesar, who had been on 
shore on hberty at Gibraltar, was brought off under a 
mihtary guard, charged with robbing his messmate in 
the guard house, whilst lying asleep there in the course 
of the preceding night. Captain Brenton knowing the 
man accused, to be one of the most correct characters in 
the ship, as well as one of the best seamen, was greatly 
surprised at the charge ; and expressed his astonishment 
to the man himself, that he, of all others, should be so 
inculpated. The man strenuously denied being guilty, but 
the evidence against him was so clear and so consistent 
that it was not possible to disregard it. Addressing the 
prisoner therefore he said, " Lewis, J cannot think you 
guilty, nor will I take it upon my own responsibility to 
act upon so awful an occasion : think well upon what has 
passed, for if you adhere to the protestation of your 
innocence, I must write for a court martial to be held 
upon you.'' The accused replied, in the most respectful 
manner, " Sir, I never can acknowledge being guilty of 
a crime, of which you may well suppose me incapable ; 
but as I have no witness to bring forward in my own 
behalf, and that of the soldiers is so strong, and so 
positive against me, I fear I must be condemned by a 
court martial ; and therefore I request you will cause me 
to be punished on board my own ship ; as I feel con- 
vinced my punishment will then be less severe, than what 
would be awarded by a court martial."' The Captain 
replied, that he would never take upon himself the risk 
of punishing an innocent man, and again urged his 
confession of guilt ; and then consigning him to an arrest 
wrote the letter ; and before presenting it to the Admi- 



128 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

ral, shewed it to the accused, who however persisted in 
maintaining the charge to be false. The chaplain who 
had attended this examination, requested to speak to 
the captain in private ; when he said, " Sir, there is 
something so very extraordinary in this affair, particu- 
larly as it involves such a man as Lewis, that I take 
the liberty of requesting that you will withhold the let- 
ter for the court martial, until I can investigate the 
affair ; and if you will allow me, I will immediately go 
on shore for the purpose." He accordingly went, and 
came off the following day in triumph, having detected 
a most abominable combination, amongst some of the 
soldiers of the guard, by whom the charge had been 
fabricated, and who had themselves robbed the sleeping- 
sailor. This was clearly proved to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the officers of the regiment. The real culprits 
were punished, and poor Lewis resumed the high 
character he had formerly borne, to the great joy of 
every one in the ship, and to none more than to Mr. 
Holiday. Much has a really religious active minded 
chaplain in his power. 

The Editor cannot but be reminded at this period in 
the memoir, of frequent conversations which passed on 
the subject; and of the manner in which the effects of 
Mr. Holiday's ministrations were appreciated by the 
captain of the Csesar. It appeared as if the Chaplain 
in that ship exercised a kind of moral influence, which 
formed by itself no inefficient system of discipline ; and 
certainly gave to the real and proper discipline a cor- 
rectness and precision which can be seldom attained. 
The moral character of each delinquent was known, the 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 129 

degree in which it might be safe to remit punishment 
was understood beforehand; and it was seldom allowed 
to fall where any nobler principles existed, on which it 
might be possible to work through other means. The 
benefit of the system pursued was still more distinctly 
seen when the state of things was altered. Mr. Holiday 
was succeeded by a man of a different character, by 
one, who satisfied himself with the performance of 
duties which were absolutely required, and aimed at 
nothing more. The change was soon perceptible in 
the way in which discipline was maintained; and both 
officers and crew felt the difference arising from the 
new chaplain s' conduct. Hints were given, advice 
was tendered, but nothing produced any effect ; and 
the Chaplain contented with the formal discharge of his 
Sunday's duties, took no interest in the moral condition 
of the men, and as he knew nothing about their state, 
was never able to advocate their cause effectually or to 
befriend them. 

On his leaving the ship, Captain Brenton entered into 
a long and faithful exposition of the deficiences in his 
conduct, and pointed out the consequences which had 
ensued from the negligent mode in which he had ful- 
filled his ofiice. He stated to him again the course 
that had been pursued by Mr. Holiday; and added 
his conviction, that three-fourths of the punishments 
inflicted during the term of his chaplainship might 
have been avoided, had the same paternal practice 
been maintained. 

Tn the month of March Captain Brenton exchanged 
with Captain Downman into the Santa Dorothea, and 

K 



130 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

proceeded in that ship to England. The definitive 
treaty haying been signed, she was paid off upon her 
arrival, and Captain Brenton was soon after married to 
the object of his early and constant affections, Miss 
Isabella Stewart, daughter of Anthony Stewart, Esq. 
of Maryland in Virginia, and sister to the Solicitor- 
General of Nova Scotia, who, with his family was at 
this time in England. Of the happiness of this union, 
the pen of the bereaved husband has left the most 
affectionate testimony in the records which have been 
before mentioned, and which he began to arrange after 
the death of his wife, which took place in the year 
1817. 

It may perhaps be permitted to the Editor to 
mention here the occasion which led to the commence- 
ment of these records, as it is from them the principal 
materials of the present memoir has been drawn. Sir 
Jahleel Brenton had found amongst the papers of 
his departed wife, notes and memoranda written on 
particular occasions, which he felt a melancholy plea- 
sure in transcribing for the benefit of his surviving 
children. Death had deprived him, by a most sudden 
and unexpected stroke of his eldest son, within a very 
short time of the death of his wife. Neither mother 
nor son were permitted to mourn for each other; and 
tlic sorrowing widower and father was comforted by 
this thought, as will appear from many of his reflections 
at the time. In alluding to the memoranda and papers 
he had been copying, he says, " The employment of 
transcribing and collecting them into one series, is to 
me, not only a source of comfort and consolation, but of 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 131 

happiness. It appears to prolong to me the blessing of 
her dear society ; and I humbly trust it will excite me 
to follow her delightful example; and to offer up my 
most sincere" and fervent gratitude for all the blessings 
which have been so bountifully bestowed upon me in 
this world ; above all, for that greatest of earthly bless- 
ings, a virtuous and affectionate wife, who was not only 
a source of happiness to me, whilst I was permitted to 
possess her ; but whose bright example, and endearing 
counsels, have been, by the mercy of God, instrumental 
in enabling me to elevate my soul to that blessed hope 
of eternal life, which He has given us in our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ ; the sum of all blessings and of all 
mercies. It is now a source of indescribable comfort to 
me, that I have never been insensible of her value ; nor 
have I neglected for many years, night and morning, to 
offer up my sincere thanks to Almighty God, for hav- 
ing blessed me with such a companion. 

'' When I first began to arrange these dear affecting 
notes, my intention was only to copy them, according 
to their dates, and without comment, leaving intervals 
between them, for such further fragments as I might 
have the happiness of finding. This I accordingly did ; 
but after searching every place for papers, very few 
were to be found, so few indeed as to occupy a very 
small portion of the space which had been reserved for 
them. I then thought of filling up these spaces from 
recollection, with a relation of such circumstances in our 
eventful lives, as must be inexpressibly dear to our 
beloved children, when both their parents shall have 
long quitted this stage ; and how many a proof of 



132 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

recorded love instantly suggests itself to my remem- 
brance. I only regret that this idea did not sooner 
occur to me, that I might have begun at the very 
earliest period of our acquaintance. This I may yet 
be enabled to do, should T be spared long enough. I 
shall, however, in the first place, endeavour to fulfil my 
original intention of merely connecting the dear journals; 
and of thus shewing 3^ou, my dear children, how sincere, 
how tender, how increasing was the affection, which 
united your parents ; how^ earnestly they had devoted 
themselves to the happiness and welfare of those, for 
whom all their solicitude was excited, both as to their 
temporal and eternal welfare. 

" I know that it had been, for many years previous 
to our marriage, the practice of my beloved Isabella, to 
commit from time to time her reflections to writing; 
but I have not been able to discover any of an earlier 
date than that which begins this collection. You will, 
I am certain, my darhng children, be deeply impressed 
with the strain of fervent gratitude, and humble trust 
in a continuance of the goodness of God, which per- 
vades it. It will I hope elevate your hearts to those 
principles also, from which your inestimable mother 
derived her comfort and support in all her trials/' 

Towards the conclusion of these records we find the 
original intention carried out. Fn the sketch of his first 
acquaintance with Miss Stewart, he says, " In review- 
ing tlic events of my past life, I have long felt a deep 
sense, and I hope a sincere gratitude, for the innumer- 
able blessings, which a most kind, bounteous, and merciful 
Creator has so constantly showered down upon me; 



) 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 133 

but there is none in this countless catalogue, which 
appears to call so loudly for every effort by which I 
can shew the sense of them, as the inestimable treasure 
which he graciously vouchsafed to me in my beloved 
wife. 

" The parents of your inestimable mother had long 
been settled in America, and she was born at Anna- 
polis in Maryland, the 22nd of February, 1771, (on 
which day I was exactly six months old, being born the 
22nd of August, 1770). There was a considerable 
analogy in the fortunes of our early days ; her father as 
well as mine having lost the greater part of his property 
in the American war, in consequence of his attachment 
and loyalty to his sovereign, and being obliged to take 
refuge under the protection of the British arms. Mr. 
Stewart went with a part of his family to Nova Scotia. 
He had then recently lost a most amiable and affectionate 
wife; one, whom your angelic mother was thought 
greatly to resemble in person and mind. She accom- 
panied her father, and was indeed the solace of his 
sufferings (he had for some time been deprived of the use 
of one side by a paralytic stroke). At the same time she 
was the delight of all who knew her, from the peculiar 
sweetness of her disposition, and the animated expression 
of her countenance ; which though by no means composed 
of what the world considers fine features, had in it 
' something than beauty dearer,' indeed it was indescri- 
bably so. 

"In the year 1787 I embarked on board the Dido 
as a midshipman ; and early in the following year went 
out in her to Halifax ; an event that I shall ever consider 



134 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

the most providential in my life, as it has had so strong 
and so material an influence upon every succeeding 
part of it. I then became acquainted with your inesti- 
mable mother. She had just completed her seventeenth 
year, and I was still in my eighteenth. I felt from the 
first day of our meeting a delight in her society, and a 
wish to be in the constant enjoyment of it, to a degree 
which was quite unusual with me. Our situations in 
life were too distant from each other for me to form 
any hope of gaining her affections. Young women take 
their place in society, so early in life, in comparison 
with what is customary with the other sex, that I saw 
her placed in a situation far above mine. She was 
already in the best society the place could aflbrd; 
whilst I v/as beginning the world, in the humble though 
honourable station of a midshipman. She might have 
been justified in looking forward to an alliance with the 
highest individual in the colony; whilst I had still a 
long servitude to perform, and a very remote prospect 
of ever being able to gain that rank in my profession, 
which could authorize me to look up to the possession 
of her ; even were it possible for me to gain an interest 
in her heart. That I did love her is most certain ; but 
(I thought) it was a love arising from gratitude. I 
was naturally shy and diffident in society. She seemed 
to pity mc, and to endeavour by every act of kind 
attention to give me comfort, and to promote my hap- 
piness. That I did frequently indulge visionary schemes 
of future felicity, in which she always occupied the 
front ground, is very true; but they were views which 
I thouglit it impossible ever to be realized. She was 



CeAr. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 135 

however, even at that early period, constantly asso- 
ciated with every prospect that presented itself, as I 
looked forward to success in my profession; and so 
powerful was the attraction which her sweetness of dis- 
position, and engaging kindness had over me, that 
although in the midst of kind relations, I sought her 
house in preference to all others, and passed every hour 
I could get on shore, either there, or where I knew she was 
to be found. In the course of the next year, we were 
separated by my going to Quebec with my ship; and 
on my return to Halifax in the autumn I found, to my 
great disappointment, that Mr. Stewart had taken his 
family back to Maryland. This prevented my feeling any 
regret from my father's recalling me from the station ; 
which he did shortly after, in order to have me in a 
ship where I could be rated midshipman ; no vacancy 
having occurred in the Dido. I carried home with me 
a sincere, a tender, and an indelible recollection of 
the happiness I had enjoyed in the society of my 
inestimable friend ; an impression that no future event, 
changes, or circumstances could ever efface or weaken ; 
although for many years I dared not indulge a hope of 
her ever becoming mine. Indeed I considered it almost 
impossible, that with such a mind as she possessed — so 
cherished as she was by all, who had the happiness of 
knowing her, that she could long remain single; and 
when I had attained to manhood, and had established 
in my mind the firm conviction, that this beloved and 
amiable creature was of all others the most likely to 
ensure my happiness; I did not allow myself to make 
an effort to obtain her affections, lest I might never 



136 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

have it in my power to place her in such a situation as 
might be worthy of her ; and lest it might prevent her 
acceptance of the offer of some person more capable of 
making her happy, than myself. 

" During the course of eleven years from this period 
of our separation, in all the varieties of service, situa- 
tion, and society, in which 1 was placed, these sentiments 
never quitted me. Tt was not until I rose to the rank 
of Commander, that 1 thought myself justified in look- 
ing to her, as the object of my ambition. I had, during 
the course of this time, in a correspondence with my 
dear cousin, made our mutual friend the subject of the 
greater part of our letters ; but with little hope or pros- 
pect that my wishes could ever be realized. My 
beloved Isabella however became acquainted, by means 
of these, with the steadiness of my attachment to her ; 
and it produced, as may be imagined, a reciprocal 
affection. 

" After having been more than a year in the com- 
mand of the Speedy, and during that period having had 
the happiness to obtain, in several instances, the appro- 
bation of my Commander in chief, my prospects in the 
navy seemed so flattering, that although I had not been 
successful in a pecuniary point of view, I felt myself 
justified in endeavouring to excite an interest in the 
affections of her, who had so long possessed mine ; and 
wrote to her accordingly. But after writing the letter, 
in order firmly to estabhsh in my own mind, that I was 
acting from the deliberate conviction that I was in 
search of real happiness ; tliat I was not carried away by 
such visionary schemes of felicity, as too often liaunt the 



Chap. Y. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 137 

imagination of those, who from the nature of their pro- 
fession, are debarred from general society; I kept the 
letter by me. I had given my father a promise that I 
would never marry until I had attained the rank of 
Post Captain, when I knew I should have his perfect 
consent and approbation with regard to the object I 
had in view. I was therefore resolved not to take so 
important a step, until I should feel perfectly justisfied 
in doing so. I frequently read over the letter, and 
found that my sentiments, instead of experiencing the 
slightest or the most momentary change, were daily 
strengthened; that no alteration was made either by 
increase of rank, which I soon after met with ; by pro- 
fessional success, which was the cause of it ; or by my 
more intimate acquaintance with the higher classes of 
society, to which, through the friendship and kindness of 
my excellent friend and patron, Lord St. Vincent, I was 
soon after introduced. On the contrary, the rank and 
honours acquired an additional value from the hope 
that they would be acceptable to m}^ beloved Isabella ; 
whilst her sweetness of disposition, and consistency of 
character, constantly rose in my estimation, by contrast- 
ing them with what I met with ; however superior many 
of her sex might have been in beauty of person, and in 
the advantages of rank and fortune. 

"Upon my arrival in England, in September, 1800, 
having been made Post in the preceding month of Feb- 
ruary ; I dispatched the letter ; and remained in anxious 
expectation of the result for some weeks. At length 
the answer arrived ; and delightful as the contents were 
to me, in assuring me that I had long been tlie object 



138 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

of her aiFections, the ideas of happiness which it excited 
in my mind, were not to be compared to the real fehcity 
which I subsequently enjoyed, during the whole course 
of our union. At length, after a separation of fourteen 
years, I met your beloved mother, and found her all 
that my most sanguine imagination had painted." 

Tt is hardly necessary for the Editor to dwell on the 
exquisite delicacy and self command exhibited in this 
touching and simple narrative of an affection as roman- 
tic as it is reasonable. He would merely say, that if 
ever the intrusion on private memorials is justifiable, 
it is when features of character such as these, so peculiar 
and yet so beautiful, are to be brought to light. In 
other cases, where the gratification of curiosity is the 
chief end to be answered, doubts may be felt whether 
the advantage gained is any compensation for the 
breach of confidence that has been committed. But in 
this, it seems due to the subject of the memoir to shew 
to the world what was not seen by the world ; and to 
exhibit the real value of his services by stating the 
sacrifices they cost him. It is also due to those who 
may be benefited by his example, to let them see the 
power which may be given to principle, when principle is 
founded on religion ; and the degree in which the tender- 
ness of affection may be combined with firmness, when the 
whole mind is brought under the influence of the gospel. 

The following extract from the pen of Mrs. Brenton, 
seems important as illustrative of the domestic character 
of the husband, as well as the wife. It is dated, Green- 
wich, January 1st, 1801. " To Thee, Almighty God, I 
rotuiji my most hearty and humble thanks, for the 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 139 

blessings I have, througli Thy divine mercy, been per- 
mitted to enjoy during the past year, and also for the 
prospect of happiness on my entrance into the coming one. 
Grant, I beseech Thee, that I may so conduct myself as 
to merit a continuance of Thy goodness; and that as a 
wife and mother I may render myself worthy of Thy pro- 
tection ; and in the performance of my duty as a Chris- 
tian, become more deserving of Thy divine favour, through 
the mediation of our blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ.'' 

The above prayer is inserted, not as being a model of 
what prayer should be, for in that respect the discern- 
ment of a religious mind will see its deficiency; but 
rather because it is considered valuable as exhibiting 
the mild, gentle, and affectionate spirit from which it 
proceeded, and as filling up the portraiture of her 
character. At the same time, and to reply at once to 
similar remarks, the Editor would beg leave to say, that if 
this prayer seems incorrect in expression, or in any sense 
to ask amiss ; it must not be forgotten that there are 
seasons and cases when the heart anticipates the head, 
and when the warmth of feeling and simple piety supply 
what is wanting in theological knowledge. ' At this 
period of their lives, neither the subject of this memoir, 
nor his partner, saw things as they saw them after- 
wards; but they were faithful to the light they had, 
and they walked according to it ; and though that light 
was as yet but dim, it was sufiicient to guide those into 
the way of truth who were willing to be led. Thus 
proceeding, they saw more, they knew more, as they 
went forward. Truth was revealed, in proportion as 
they advanced; and in them both we may believe that 



140 MEMOIR OP Chap, V. 

the promise was verified which says, " The path of the 
righteous is as the shining hght, which shineth more 
and more until the perfect day." 

To the wife's memoranda the husband subsequently 
added ; " This first year, or rather part of it, had indeed 
been a period of happiness to us. In the early part of 
April I returned from the Mediterranean. On the 14th I 
saw my inestimable Isabella, after a separation of thirteen 
years. And on the 19th our union took place ; in which 
I received the utmost reward to which I had ever 
allowed myself to look forward — one that amply recom- 
pensed me for all my exertions, or rather which appeared 
a blessing bestowed upon me by my bountiful Creator, 
far beyond what I could have dared to hope for. We 
enjoyed at Bath a few months of such happiness as 
seldom falls to the lot of human nature ; but I felt it 
my duty to follow up my profession, and in the pursu- 
ance of that object we quitted our happy home.'' 

In the autumn of 1800 the political horizon beginning 
to wear a lowering aspect. Captain Brenton had solicited 
employment, and had obtained the command of the 
Minerve, of thirty-eight guns ; which at the date of the 
previous extracts, he was fitting out at Greenwich. On 
the 1.9th of January, 1801, he became a father, and gave 
to his first born son, whose subsequent death has already 
been mentioned, the name he so justly loved and respected 
of the Earl of St. Vincent, John Jervis. 

In the month of March he sailed for Spithead, where 
he arrived on the very day that orders were given to 
prepare for war; and on that same day he met with a 
serious accident, by a block falling on his head, which 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 141 

occasioned a severe wound, and a concussion of the brain. 
Of this event, the following record has been found from 
the pen of Captain Brenton, written a few days after this 
period ; when his wife had mentioned the christening 
of his son. " The ship being ready for sea, I was 
obliged to leave my beloved Isabella and her dar- 
ling infant, in order to proceed to Portsmouth, to fit for 
foreign service. She was to join me there as soon as 
she should be able to travel. The weather was extremely 
severe; a succession of gales rendered our passage a 
very long one. It was the 12th of March before I 
reached Spithead ; and on that day a severe trial befel 
my inestimable wife, by a wound which I received on 
the head, by a block falling on me. The accident was 
considered so serious as to be reported to the Admiralty 
by telegraph ; and a Captain was immediately appointed 
to act for me ; the ship being required on the coast of 
Holland, in consequence of an armament taking place 
in that quarter. To prevent any alarming reports reach- 
ing my beloved Isabella, I sent off a midshipman to 
give her an account of what had happened. Her feel- 
ings received a severe shock, but her resolution was soon 
formed, and in a few hours she was with me at Portsmouth, 
— my tender nurse — my inestimable companion — and 
this she continued to be during the whole course of her 
invaluable life ; the soother of all my cares and sufferings ; 
making adversity itself a period marked by bright 
gleams of happiness. With her dear society, and that 
of her sweet infant, my mind was soon at rest. The 
wound though severe, and apparently dangerous, was 
soon in a favourable state ; and every serious symptom 



142 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

vanislied, through the kind and protecting care of 
divine providence. 

" When J saw the Minerve get under weigh, it 
occurred to me that I should derive great benefit, as 
well as happiness, by proceeding by easy stages to 
Bath, and remaining quietly in my own house, until 
sufficiently recovered to rejoin my ship. I had no 
sooner suggested the idea than my darling Bella's eyes 
sparkled with delight. That home had indeed been an 
abode of real felicity to us ; but which she had consented 
to quit from the noblest principles, that of accompanying 
me to any part of the world, to which my professional 
duties should lead me. She now enjoyed the pleasing 
prospect of our remaining there for some time. All 
the comforts of our home were doubly appreciated in 
her estimation, as they would so materially contribute 
to my welfare; and immediate preparations were made 
for our journey. Our sweet infant was by no means 
well, and his beloved mother seriously ill, before we 
reached Southampton; but a great and merciful God 
spared and protected us. We reached Bath on the 
third day, all in a state of convalescence. The tran- 
quility I enjoyed in my happy home soon restored me 
to apparent health; my wound healed, and I thought 
myself perfectly recovered. 

" My ship was on the coast of Holland, one of a 
squadron under Admiral Thornborough, watching an 
armament fitting out in the Texel and Scheldt. War 
was considered to be inevitable, and I became restless, 
and impatient to rejoin the Minerve. My inestimable 
friend saw the state of my mind; and though deeply 



Chap. Y. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 143 

suffering from anxiety on account of my health, added 
to the painful idea of separation, she piously acquiesced 
in the necessity, and resigned herself and all dear to 
her to the will of heaven. 

" I joined my ship on the coast of Holland, but I 
was soon convinced that T was not fit for active service. 
I told the Admiral of my wish to go on shore again. 
He kindly sent my ship in with me, and another 
captain was appointed to act for me. I proceeded to 
London to consult Sir Walter Farquhar ; who, consider- 
ing the wound to have occasioned a severe concussion 
of the brain, recommended the utmost tranquility of 
body and mind. Could I have remained undisturbed 
with the idea of approaching hostilities, I had at Bath 
every requisite for the most perfect happiness. 

" I reached Bath on the 13th of May: and on the 
18th hostilities began with France, my own ship hav- 
ing on that day made many captures in the channel. 
It is needless to describe the state of my mind. It was 
by no means such as to promise much benefit from 
remaining on shore. Applications were also making 
for my ship, under the impression I should not be able 
to join her. I immediately formed my resolution to 
return to her; the exhilarating prospects of my profes- 
sion bore me up." 

Captain Brenton preferred the certainty of suffering 
to the anxiety attached to retirement, and again re- 
sumed the command of the Minerve, employed in the 
blockade of Cherbourg ; where several of the French 
flotilla had been collected, and were watching an opportu- 
nity to proceed to Boulogne. On the first of July a detach- 



144 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

ment succeeded in getting into Barflour, at an early 
hour in the morning, although chased by the Topaze 
and Minerve. In order to prevent the escape of any 
more, Captain Brenton determined to keep as near 
Cherbourg as possible. During the afternoon of the 
second a thick fog obscured the harbour, but by standing 
in under little sail, he succeeded in getting sight of 
what both the pilot and himself supposed to be the Isle 
Pelee, at the eastern extremity of the harbour, distant 
about a mile. The ship was then wore to stand off 
under easy sail for a short time. She had scarcely 
come to the wind, when a number of small vessels were 
discovered under the land, supposed to be the flotilla ; 
and the Minerve again wore immediately to pursue them. 
A cast of the lead having been obtained, the pilot 
declared that the ship might run into the centre of the 
flotilla without danger, which was instantly done ; and 
when in the moment of bringing the guns to bear upon 
them, she grounded upon a shoal, and the tide ebbing fast, 
left no hopes of her being extricated until its return. In 
less than half an hour the fog dispersed, and the moon 
shewed them the perilous situation in which they were 
placed. What they had imagined to be Isle Pelee was 
Fort de la Liberte, at the western side of the harbour. 
The shoal upon which the Minerve had grounded was no 
other than one of the cones by which the port was formed; 
and the supposed flotilla, the small vessels employed in 
carrying stones to those works. At the same time a heavy 
fire was opened from Fort do la Liber te, and Isle Pelee, 
as well as from two intermediate small batteries, and 
two gun brigs lying in the harbour. 



I 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 145 

Such a situation demanded the utmost energy from 
every one, and certainly more could not have been 
shewn than was exhibited. The boats were immedi- 
ately hoisted out, and Mr. Walpole,'"' the third lieu- 
tenant, was directed to proceed in the first that 
reached the water, to endeavour to cut out from the 
interior of the harbour some vessel large enough to 
carry out a bower anchor. As Captain Brenton fore- 
saw that he should require the launch, with her car- 
ronade to operate a diversion upon the gun brigs ; the 
barge was to have been sent to the assistance of Lieu- 
tenant Walpole ; but this gallant young ofiicer pushed 
forward, without waiting for reinforcements, and board- 
ing a lugger under the batteries, towed her out with his 
single boat, under a tremendous fire of great guns, and 
musketry, alongside the ship. She was laden with stores 
to the water s edge, consequently was incapable of bear- 
ing any addition to her burden. A new difficulty here 
occurred ; to discharge her alongside was to increase the 
shoal; it was therefore necessary to veer her astern to 
the extent of a hawser, and to throw her cargo overboard, 
before she could be of any service. The fire from the 
batteries w^as very galling, and the ship began to suffer 
severely under it, both in her crew, and her rigging, 
and hull. The launch was sent with the second lieu- 
tenant, Mr. Fitzgerald, to call off the attention of the 
gun brigs, and had the desired effect of slackening their 
fire upon the ship. At midnight the lugger was hauled 

* Afterwards the Honourable William Walpole, a Tost Captain. 

L 



146 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

under the bows to receive the anchor, but was repeat- 
edly hulled by shot, so as to render it necessary for 
carpenters to be continually repairing her. Whilst this 
tedious and laborious operation was being performed the 
anchor was at last placed in her, but the hawser from 
the kedge, which had been laid out for the purpose of 
w^arping the lugger, being shot away, it became neces- 
sary to employ the boats in towing her, a circumstance 
Captain Brenton w^ould gladly have avoided, as it 
exposed the boats' crews, and took too many people 
from the ship. The line of boats soon attracted the 
notice, and consequently the fire of the batteries, and 
gun brigs, which now became tremendous; but every 
discharge was answered by the most animated cheers 
from the boats' crews, who gallantly succeeded in placing 
the anchor in its destined direction. 

Every exertion was in the mean time made on board 
to lighten the ship abaft; as her stern hung upon a 
broken part of the cone, and there were six fathoms under 
her bows. The guns, useless under such circumstances, 
were all got under the forecastle, and every other 
weight from abaft ; the two forecastle guns alone being 
cmplo^^ed against the gun brigs. At two o'clock the 
situation of the Minerve was so hopeless, from the wind 
having died away entirely, and some rise having taken 
place in the tide, that Captain Brenton had it in contem- 
j)lation to burn the ship, taking the crew away with the 
assistance of the lugger and the boats. For this pur- 
])ose tlic lugger was brought alongside; the wounded 
ordered to be placed in her, and every preparation 



Chap. V. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 147 

made to set fire to the ship, when all other resources 
should fail. The capstan was however manned, and 
they continued heaving as the tide rose. 

The day broke at three o'clock, and the batteries 
increased their fire with surer aim, whilst the gun brigs, 
finding themselves wdthin range of grape shot, annoyed 
the ship exceedingly. Many of the people at the cap- 
stan were killed or wounded, but their places were im- 
mediately supplied; and the men encouraged by their 
officers continued the most persevering efforts. At half 
past four the ship floated ; the cable was cut, and such 
sail as could be made, trimmed amidst the cheers of the 
ship's company, who now considered their danger and 
labours at an end. The wind however again failed 
them, and the ship was set by the last drain of the tide 
upon another part of a broken cone, where she lay with 
only two fathoms and a quarter under her main chains. 
The lugger, upon which the crew depended for their 
escape was dismasted, and in a sinking state; (the 
w^ounded had been returned to the cockpit, as the hopes 
of getting the ship off had increased) ; she was also cut 
adrift, as was the launch by the enemy's shot; no boat 
remained, capable of carrying out an anchor; and de- 
prived of every hope of saving the ship; Captain Brenton 
to prevent the further effusion of blood, at half-past five 
A.M. surrendered her to the enemy, after a most anxious 
struggle of nine hours. 

The Minerve had eleven killed and sixteen wounded. 
The prisoners were landed at Cherbourg, to await 
orders from the First Consul, relative to their future 
disposal. These arrived in a few days, and directed 



148 MEMOIR OF Chap. Y. 

them to be marched to Epinal, the capital of the 
department of the Vosges, a distance of nearly five 
hundred miles: intelligence not very welcome to the 
unfortunate captives, as they had flattered themselves 
with the hope of being soon exchanged, and kept near 
the coast for that purpose. Of this event Captain 
Brenton speaks thus, " This was one of the most trying 
periods of my life, but one, in which I felt, in a peculiar 
degree, the benefit of a reliance on Divine Providence. 
When fully aware of the situation in which the ship was 
placed shortly after her taking the ground, by the fog 
clearing away, and the batteries opening their fire upon 
us, I remember walking aft, and leaning over the taff- 
rail, I offered a short and humble prayer to the Almighty 
for my beloved wife and child. The effect appeared to 
be instantaneous. In no period of my life do I remem- 
ber to have ever been more composed than at that 
moment, nor did my tranquility ever forsake me during 
the whole of that trying night." 

The concluding particulars of the loss of the Miner ve, 
may be here inserted as given by Captain Brenton. " x\t 
length I put the question to my officers, whether any 
hope remained: all answered in the negative, and 
recommended surrender. The painful alternative was 
adopted; and the colours being hauled down, shouts 
of triumph resounded from the shore. I then went 
into my cabin, and having destroyed my private 
signals, proceeded to collect such things as might be 
most immediately necessary, threw them into my cot, 
wliich, though unoccupied through the dreadful night, 
was liangiiig up in ray cabin. In this I had my 



Chap. Y- SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOX. 149 

plate, and such of my clothes as I could the more 
easily get at, lashed up and given to my servant. 
Whilst thus occupied, the master of the French ves- 
sel, which had been taken in the preceding evening, 
and who had been kept below during the night, hearing 
that the ship had surrendered, made the best of his way 
to my cabin, and began to console me, ' Songez mon 
brave Capitaine, que vous etes distingue; que vous vous 
etes defendu en brave homme; que vous avez seule- 
ment subis le sort de la guerre ; que les Francais sont 
de braves gens/ At this moment the batteries renewed 
their fire, and the panegyrist immediately took to his 
heels for his place of security, crying out, ' les coquins, 
les marauds,' and such other terms as seemed at the 
moment most appropriate for this attack upon a fallen 
enemy. I then went on deck, and standing up upon 
the taffrail, waved a white flag, calling out at the same 
time. Nous, nous sommes rendus/ The gun brigs also 
repeated this information, ' lis se sont rendus/ 

" It was some time before the firing ceased, but pro- 
videntially no one was hurt by it. The reason subse- 
quently alleged for the continuance of hostilities was, 
that the Minerve had not lowered her sails; but had the 
Commandant known of how little importance this cir- 
cumstance was in our situation, he would not have 
incurred the risk of an useless efiusion of blood. 
Under existing circumstances, he only added to the 
injury already done to a ship in his possession. A boat 
from the senior officer of the gun brigs soon after came 
alongside; and after making himself very certain that 
the ship had indeed surrendered, received my sword, 



150 MEMOIR OF Chap. V. 

which he imagined he had gained by his own valour; 
and retained it, notwithstanding the less doubtful claim 
of the military commander. But the same idea, which 
this Commander of the gun brig had taken up, was 
ado^Dted by Buonaparte himself; who, having received 
the dispatch announcing the capture of the Minerve, 
whilst in the theatre at Brussels, immediately arose, 
and said, ' Messieurs et Dames, la guerre navale a com- 
mencee sous les plus heureuses auspices. Une superbe 
fregate de I'ennemi, vient de se rendre a deux de nos 
batimens cannoniers,^ not saying a word of the batteries, 
or the shoal." 



CiiAP. VI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 151 



CHAPTER VI. 



JOURNEY FROM CHERBOURG. — KINDNESS OF M. DUBOIS. — AND ARRIVAL 
AT EPINAL. 



A CIRCUMSTANCE occuiTed previous to the prisoners 
beginning their march, which cannot be too generally 
known ; as it does great honour to an individual amongst 
our enemies, and is one of the many acts of kindness 
shewn by the inhabitants of France, to the prisoners 
passing through the country, where the general feeling 
was by no means so hostile to the English, as is too 
frequently supposed. Hostility to this country was 
almost entirely confined to the military in France. 

The length of the journey they had to perform, ren- 
dered the prisoners very solicitous about their pecuniary 
concerns, particularly as no person at Cherbourg would 
discount their bills. Captain Brenton, in order to in- 
crease his stock, offered his watch for sale at a watch- 
maker's, who would give him only five guineas for it, 
though the watch was made by a first rate maker, 
and was of gold. He consequently left the spot with 
some indignation. ■ Whilst standing at the door of the 
Auberge a little while after, he was addressed by a per- 
son who wished to know, if he had not a watch to dispose 



152 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

of. Captain Brenton expecting a similar offer to the last, 
answered, " Yes, but you ayiU not buy it.'' The stranger 
replied, " That is more than you know, let me see it." 
Upon examining the watch, he asked the original price 
of it, and being told thirty-one guineas ; he said, " Were 
I to buy your watch, I would only give fifteen guineas ; 
but as I only mean to take it in pledge, I will let you 
have twenty-five." Captain Brenton, surprised at so 
novel a mode of making a bargain, said laughing, " You 
are an honester fellow than I took you for ; give me the 
money, and take the watch." The stranger's name was 
M. Dubois, a merchant of L'Orient. He came back in 
a few minutes, saying, " Sir, I shall never forgive myself 
for having accepted a pledge from an officer suffering 
from the fortune of war. Take back the watch and give 
me your note of hand." This being done with due 
acknowledgments on the part of Captain Brenton, M. 
Dubois again left him, and in a short time again returned 
with twenty-five louis more, saying, that he had been 
examining his purse, and found that he had that sum 
more than was necessary to carry him to L' Orient, and 
begging that he would accept of that also. He then 
deposited it on the table, destroying the former note of 
hand ; and requesting that another might be made out to 
include both sums. Captain Brenton in his additional 
remarks on the subject of the watch, says, "Each time 
that M. Dubois, the kind merchant returned, he 
exclaimed, "Monsieur, ma conscience me pique," strik- 
ing his breast; and the last time exclaiming, "Ma con- 
science me pique encore." I observed that it must be a 
most unreasonable conscience, not to be satisfied with 



Chap. YI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 153 

what he had done; but he rejoined, " No, Sir, I ought 
not to have taken any security from you." Captain 
Brenton adds, " 1 am happy to say that in the course of 
this war very many instances occurred of great bene- 
volence shewn towards the British prisoners in France ; 
and in those cases where they experienced harsh or 
cruel treatment, it almost always arose from military 
power having been obtained by men, whose only recom- 
mendation was their bravery, and who had no kind 
feelings to temper it ; but these instances were rare. 

It seems due to this excellent man, M. Dubois, 
whose singular kindness and generosity alleviated the 
first bitternesses of captivity for the captain and crew of 
the Minerve, to add a letter, which proves that the act 
in question was not the sudden impulse of excited feel- 
ing on contemplating their unhappy lot ; but that it 
was part of a character in which tenderness and sym- 
pathy with suffering predominated habitually. 

*'L'Okient, 6 Pluviose, An 12. 

27 Janvier, 1804. 

*^ MoN Cher Ami, 

A mon retoiir d'une petite absence, on me 
remit votre lettre obligeante et amicale ; et Je siiis empresse d'y 
repondre. II seroit en vain que j' entreprendrois de vous rendre 
le plaisir qu'elle ma'a fait. II nV a, que des coeui-s aimants 
capables de s'en faire une idee. 

" Je vous croyais depuis long temps echange, et je vois avec 
peine qu'il n'en est rien. Combien je partage les chagrins que vous 
devez eprouver, de I'incertitude continuelle de votre sort, depuis 
votre depart de Cherbourg; c'est de mon avis la situation la plus 
penible a supporter pour I'homme dont le caractere ferme et 
decide, est audessus de tons les evenemens. 



1j4 memoir of Chap. VI. 

"Vousetesdonc encore mon bienbon ami clans I'attente de votre 
ecliange, et voiis me faites entendre que voiis ne la prevoyez pas 
prochaine. All ! Je sens combien votre situation est cruelle ; 
vous etes depuis long temps eloigne de parens et amis qui vous 
sont chers, et a qui sans doute vous Fetes aussi, et e'est ce qui 
augmente vos peines. Combien je desirerois qu' il fut en mon 
pouvoir de les alleger. Mais comment ? nous sommes loin Fun 
de I'autre. Si du moins le lieu de votre exil etoit L'Orient, aide 
par mon epouse et ma petite famille, nous vous offririons les 
consolations de la plus tendre amitie, et si nous ne parvenions pas 
a dissiper entierement vos chagrins, au moins reunis nous les 
partagerions. N'en doutez pas mon bien bon ami, car nous 
sommes sincerement afFectes de vos peines, et mon epouse (qui 
brule d'envie de vous connoitre, sur tout depuis votre agreable 
lettre) sent aussi vivement que moi, les regrets cuisants que vous 
eprouvez a' etre aussi long temps prive du plaisir de revoir tout ce 
que vous aimez cliez vous. Esperons ensemble que ce moment 
si naturellement desii'e de vous, n'est pas eloigne, et qu'au 
premier instant vous jouirez enfin des tendres embrassemens de 
tout ce qui vous est cher. 

" Etes vous au moins a Verdun d'une maniere agreable ? Vous 
laisse t'on la liberte de former quelque societe, qui pourrait 
vous distraire de vos ennuis ? je le desire bien ardemment. Je ne 
connais personne dans cette ville, mais si vous aviez la faculte 
d' aller et venir dans son enceinte je ferais mes efforts pour me 
j)rocurer de divers amis quelques lettres de recommendation pour 
vous. 

" Le Mandat que vous nous aviez remis a ete parfaitement acquitte 
depuis plus de 3 mois ; ainsi point d' inquietude de votre part a 
ce sujet; et quandil ne I'eut pas ete aussi prom])tement, ce n'aurait 
pas ete un motif d' en avoir d' avantage ; vous meritez a ce sujet 
que jc vous gronde un pcu ; il ne devait plus eti'e question entre 
nous de nouvcaux remcrciemens (m'en aviez vous pas deja 
liop I'ait?) c'etait un arrete pris avant mon depart, et vous y 
contrevenez ; que ce soit au moins pour la derniere fois, car 
pensericz vous mon clier ami que le plaisir etoit pour vous seul ? 
coni|)t('z au contjaire jjour bcaucoup celui que j'ai en faisant la 



Chap. VI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 155 

connoissance d'un galant homme comme vons, et de qui, je 
continue a recevoir des marques d'un obligeant attachement. Ne 
I'egardez point ceci comme un froid compliment, ma plume n'est 
jamais que V interprete de mon coeur. 

" Vous me faites V ofFre obligeante de votre credit pour moi, 
et mes amis, que le sort de la guerre rendrait mallieureux en 
Angleterre. Je vous aime, et vous estime assez pour 1' accepter 
avec franchise au besoin, mais toujonrs avec la circonspection 
que Ton doit au bon coeur d'un ami. 

" Vous dire mon clier Capitaine avec quel plaisir je recevrai 
de vos nouvelles toutes les fois que vous pourrez m'en donner, 
ne serait rien vous apprendrede nouveau; puisque vous ne doutez 
surement pas de 1' attachement que je vous porte : ainsi obligez 
moi de m'en donner le plus souvent possible, et sur tout 1' avis de 
votre echange quand il aura lieu. 

" Je crois mon cher ami n' avoir pas besoin de vous rappeller 
que vous devez toujours librement et franchement disposer de moi 
dans toutes les occasions; faites moi le plaisir de vous en bien 
souvenii', et de croire de loin comme de pres, qui si les voeux que je 
formerai toujours pour votre bonheur sont exauces, il ne vous 
restera rien a desirer. 

" II faut que je finisse mon Epitre. On ne s'ennuye pas quand 
on cause avec de bons amis. II ne faut cependant pas les fatiguer, 
vous ne m'accuserez pas J'espere de Laconisme. Je trouverais au 
surplus mon excuse dans le plaisir que j'ai a m'entretenir avec 
vous. 

" Agreez par continuation mon cher ami 1' assurance des senti- 
mens d'estime et d'attachment avec lesquels je serai toujours votre 
tout devoue bon ami, 

"L. DUBOIS. 

'^ P. S. Rappellez moi s'il vous plait au souvenir de Monsieur 
Fenwick et de vos autres officiers dont je me souviens toujours 
avec plaisir, et veuillez leur dire mille choses obligeantes de ma 
part ; ainsi qu'au cher iier Doctcur que Je salue par trois fois 
trois. 



156 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

" Je viens aussi de recevoir une lettre de Monsieur Black, 
il a fidelcment rempli vos intentions pres de moi, et je Yen 
remercierai par ma premiere." 

The seamen and marines of the Minerve began their 
march for Epinal on the 8th of July ; and the officers on 
the following day. The sufferings of the former, unpro- 
tected by their officers during this long march, were ex- 
treme ; assailed as they were by fatigue, hunger, and every 
privation. The officers upon leaving the coast were 
accompanied only by three gens d'armes, who treated 
them with every respect. They received notice of the 
place which should terminate the day's march, and 
made parties for performing the journey without any 
restraint from their guards. They, at the same time, 
shewed themselves deserving of such confidence by the 
strictest compliance with the directions they had 
received, and the utmost regularity of conduct. 

On the third day they reached St. Lo, a military 
arrondisement, commanded by General Dellegorgue, an 
officer who had served in Egypt, and who fully appre- 
ciated British valour and British honour. He treated 
the prisoners with the most marked attention; and 
indeed the hospitality evinced by the inhabitants of St. 
Lo was such as to merit particular notice. 

Captain Brenton's notes have left some further par- 
ticulars of this march, and of the two days at St. Lo. He 
says, " All was now preparation for the march, which 
was to commence on the 8th of July. The youngsters 
were all animation and glow; their spirits were buoy- 
ant ; and feeling convinced that their detention would 



Chaf.vi. sir jahleel brenton. 157 

be short, they had made up their minds to enjoy the 
events of the day, without care and without regret. 
They knew that their term of service would go on in 
the same manner as though they were at sea ; and they 
looked forward to the time, when they might return to 
their profession with much to relate, and the advantage 
of having acquired at least some portion of the French 
language. Early on the ninth we left Cherbourg, and 
having ascended the hill, took our last farewell of the 
poor old Minerve, lying dismantled in the harbour. 
The first day's march brought us to Valogne, a distance 
of fifteen miles. The weather was beautiful, as was the 
scenery; and we quite enjoyed the release from the 
confinement of the Auberge. The ship's company had 
gone on the preceding day ; and subsequently during the 
w^hole course of the march to our ulterior destination, 
the officers arrived in the evening at the place which the 
seamen and marines had left in the morning. On the 
second day we reached Carentan ; and on the third 
came in sight of St. Lo, a beautiful little town on the 
slope of a hill. This place, we had been given to under- 
stand, was to be our residence, and we rejoiced to find it 
possessed of so many advantages. 

" On entering the town I was conducted by the gens 
d' armes to the General, and was received by him w^ith 
all the urbanity and kindness possible. He invited me 
to dine with him, and to bring my first lieutenant. 
This officer being unwell, the second took his place. 
We had an elegant little repast, and every possible at- 
tention shewn us. At the commencement of the dinner 
I observed my lieutenant to evince a slight sign of dis- 



158 MEMOIR OF Chap.VL 

gust. I asked the reason ; and lie replied, ' They are 
frogs, Sir/ The General asked what the officer said, and 
on being told, was much amused at the idea so prevalent 
among Englishmen, and especially English sailors, that 
much of the French diet consists of frogs. In the course 
of our conversation, I expressed my gratification that St. 
Lo should have been made the place of our confinement. 
The General replied, that he regretted much that there 
should be any disappointment, but that he had received 
orders for the prisoners to march on to Epinal ; and 
that a military escort had been sent to conduct them to 
Caen, the capital of Calvados, the department we were 
then in : and that we were to proceed on our route the 
next day but one. On the 14th of July the prisoners 
were assembled, and consigned to the custody of an 
officer of cavalry. General Dellegorgue was present on 
this occasion, and when the prisoners were ready to march, 
he came up to me, and embraced me in the warmest 
manner ; wishing me a speedy release from this captivity, 
and health, and happiness. This interview was highly 
amusing to the young midshipmen, who had never before 
witnessed such a demonstration of cordiality. One of 
them was heard to exclaim, ' See, the French General 
kissing our skipper;' the familiar name by which the 
Captain is designated wlien spoken of by the youngsters. 
" According to the regulations of the march, the 
prisoners were billeted separately upon the houses of 
the inhabitants. Upon repairing thither to their beds 
at night, they found a supper prepared, and the friends 
of the family invited to assist in entertaining the captive 
^nicst : nor diM it end here. The following day was to be 



Chap. YI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 159 

one of repose, and the march was postponed until the 
next. A dinner and supper was provided in the same 
manner ; and on the morning of departure, at sunrise, 
breakfasts were prepared; nor coukl these worthy people 
be prevailed upon to receive any indemnification for the 
trouble and expence they had incurred. From St. Lo 
the escort was strengthened by the addition of a party 
of cavalry, and the prisoners were marched in ranks, 
from which none were suffered to deviate ; an incon- 
venience greatly felt, when compared with the indul- 
gence they had received at first ; the more so, as it con- 
fined them to the middle of the road, covered them with 
dust from the horses, and kept them on too quick a 
pace for such a march, and in so sultry a season." 

On arriving at Caen, Captain Brenton complained to 
the General of such restriction being imposed on oflacers, 
who had given their parole of honour. This General 
was the very reverse of the last ; and he replied in a 
brutal manner, " Je me moque de votre parole d' hon- 
neur. Je ne sais pas ceque c'est, moi." Captain Bren- 
ton replied, " I will describe it to you. It is (with a 
British officer) stronger than any prison you have in 
France." The General threatened to take from them 
their parole, but he did not put his threat in execution. 
After leaving Caen the restrictions gradually increased, 
and at length the prisoners, upon arriving at Bernay, 
were shut up in one room, with sentinels at the door; 
the commander of the escort, at the same time, offering 
to order every accommodation the inn could afford to 
be brought to them ; an offer which was disclaimed with 
disdain, unless thev should be treated differentlv. The 



160 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

commanding officer of the party then shewed Captain 

Brenton his instructions from General ; which 

were to guard his prisoners with the utmost severity 
and vigilance, as well on the march as in the towns 
where they should stop ; and to grant them no indul- 
gences on his peril. He however said he felt so strongly 
the injustice that had been done them, that, if Captain 
Brenton would be responsible for their conduct, they 
should enjoy the same indulgence as when they began 
their march. This was a condition he gladly accepted, 
and which was productive of all the comfort of which their 
situation was susceptible. The worthy man w^ho thus pro- 
moted the comfort of the poor prisoners is now no more, 
and consequently is out of the reach of the resentment 
of his General. The remainder of their journey was 
performed with ease; and they reached Epinal on the 
]2th of August, where they found their unfortunate 
shipmates, who had arrived the preceding day. Some 
were in the hospital, and the remainder in rags, and 
starving from the small quantity and bad quality of their 
provisions. It is due to the liberality of M. M. Pere- 
gaux to observe here, that in reply to a letter from 
Captain Brenton, written from Pontoise, requesting 
them to send his drafts, and those of his officers, to Eng- 
land for acceptance, and when honoured to remit the 
amount to Epinal ; that those gentlemen sent three hun- 
dred louis d'or to Captain Brenton at St. Denis, 
and an order for four hundred more upon Epinal ; with 
oflcrs of as much as they wished to draw for under 
Captain Brenton's endorsement. 

Some additional particulars of this journey may 



Chap.yi. sir jahleel brenton. 161 

be given from Captain Brentons private notes. 
" Having heard of an English lady residing at 
Caen, I called upon her. She immediately offered 
me all the assistance in her power, and amongst other 
acts of kindness, made me a tender of her credit with a 
banker, which I thankfully accepted, and procured fifty 
louis. This was a very timely supply, as the fifty louis 
of M. Dubois were not expected to last long amongst 
so many." 

" We were just seated at dinner at St. Denis, when 
a gentleman from M. Peregaux was announced, who 
brought me three hundred louis in gold, and a letter of 
credit for four hundred more upon M. Doublat, at 
Epinal, with an assurance that any bills endorsed by 
me should be immediately honoured. This conduct 
was truly noble, and a high compliment to the British 
navy. No sooner was this act of liberality made known, 
than there was a general cheer amongst the midship- 
men, and indeed amongst all hands. ' I will walk no 
more,' cried one ; and ' I will have a carriage and drive 
myself,' said another. In short, each one had some scheme 
of future proceeding, and all were determined to be 
indemnified for past fatigue. On the following day 
every description of carriage was put in requisition, and 
the whole of the prisoners were provided for ; but when 
they found that all the carriages must be kept together, 
and go ' au pas,' in order to keep with the infantry, a 
portion of which formed a part of the escort ; the luxury 
of being carried ceased to have its charms ; and nearly 
the whole body returned to marching on foot, to which 
they had got so much accustomed." 

M 



162 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

Of his own feelings during this journey Captain 
Brenton speaks thus in his notes, " I performed nearly 
the whole of the march on foot, and in the heat of 
summer; yet I never remember to have enjoyed better 
health. Indeed, under all my trials, I have experienced 
the same mercy and goodness from Divine providence; 
and this has convinced me, that under all my depressions 
of spirits, and despondencies, from which I have so 
often derived unhappiness, it has been from want of 
exertion, and from gloomy forebodings, in which I was 
most culpably indulging/' 

Those who best knew him, would consider this to be 
more the language of humility than of truth ; but they 
must also feel convinced that it was dictated by 
sincere conviction, and self-abasement. Again, advert- 
ing to the period immediately following his arrival at 
Epinal, he writes, " From the time of our arriving here 
I had frequent communication with England by letters ; 
and our hopes were constantly excited, or depressed, by 
the various and contradictory reports which reached us : 
but I had one source of comfort which never failed me 
— it was the contemplation of the goodness of God 
towards me. I often contrasted my situation at that 
time, trying as it was, with what it would have been, 
had I been united to a woman, who would not have 
shared in my lot, as my beloved Isabella did. Her 
fond affection would have prompted her to have flown 
to me instantly, but for the prospect of my being imme- 
diately released. What advantages of beauty, or splen- 
dour of fortune, can be put in competition with such a 
heart as she possessed 1 with what lustre did she shine 



Chap: YI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 163 

in the hour of trial. It was at this time also, whilst living 
in peaceful retirement at Epinal, where we certainly 
enjoyed tranquility, and with very few exceptions 
experienced the greatest kindness from the French; 
that I began to consider more attentively the nature of 
the religion T professed ; and I soon found that I had 
hitherto been a nominal christian only. Since that 
period I humbly trust every succeeding year has 
brought some little increase in the knowledge of my 
duty; although T am still at an awful distance from 
what I ought to be. My subsequent life has however 
been greatly influenced by the reflections I then made. 
Sweet are the uses of adversity." 

He adds these remarks on his first arriving at Epinal. 
" The hopes of an immediate exchange having now van- 
ished, I considered it my duty to take the most prompt 
measures to render our captivity as advantageous, and as 
little galling as possible, particularly to the young 
people, and to the ship's company. My first care was 
to have the young people, who had been placed under 
my particular charge, put en pension with respectable 
French families ; where they might have the advantage 
of regular hours, and be enabled to learn the language 
with greater facility ; instead of living together, where 
nothing but English would have been spoken, and much 
of their time passed in idleness. Here they had the 
advantage of such masters as the place afforded. The 
early hours of the French families greatly contributed 
to the health and comfort of those intrusted to their 
care; whilst the very moderate terms paid for their 
board and lodging, as well as for their instruction, 



1 64 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

enabled them to obtain great advantages at a very low 
price. In fact the misfortune of having fallen into the 
enemy's hand, bid fair to be of the most essential bene- 
fit to some, who had been sent to sea very little advanced 
in education, particularly as their time of servitude went 
on as well as their pay, in the same manner, as though 
they had actually continued afloat. The officers and 
myself had of course each our private lodgings in the 
town ; but we formed a mess at the principal inn, where 
we had an excellent dinner and supper, with wine in- 
cluded, for the very small sum of fifty francs each per 
month, less than one shilling and sixpence sterling per 
day. 

"At (I beheve) Gondrecourt, the march having been 
finished early in the day, I had laid down, and had 
fallen asleep, when [ was awakened by English cheering 
under the windows; and looking out to ascertain the 
cause of this unusual circumstance, was told that a 
courier from Paris to Epinal had just passed, and had 
given the joyful information that he was the bearer of 
orders for an exchange of prisoners, and that we might 
expect to be marched back to the coast, even before we 
should reach Epinal, This was so probable, that it was 
easily believed, and we proceeded to Epinal, in the full 
persuasion that our stay there would be very shoit. It 
is likely the report was well founded, for at this time 
the British government had offered to exchange Captain 
Juricu, taken in the Franchise, for me; but it was re- 
fused by the first consul." 

Having thus seen the Captain and crew of the 
Minervc arrived at tlic end of their journey ; the 



Chap. VI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 165 

Editor feels that he is justified in caUing the attention 
of his readers, to the circumstances under which the 
subject of this memoir was then placed. 

We have seen him in the previous narrative, slowly 
and gradually, amidst various trials and disappoint- 
ments, winning his way to that point in his profession, 
which a just and reasonable ambition led him to desire. 
We have seen him emerging out of difficulties which 
were likely to have overwhelmed a man who was sup- 
ported by no family or private interest, and who was to 
rise, if he rose at all, by personal exertions. We have 
seen him obtaining promotion, rank, and honour, and 
finally in gaining the object of his early and persevering 
attachment, we have seen him realizing all that he 
had hoped for or desired. And now at the commence- 
ment of a new career, the career which to an ardent 
and energetic spirit like his, must have seemed the 
most brilliant and full of promise ; in command of one 
of the finest frigates in the navy, at the beginning of a 
war which seemed likely to be a struggle for life and 
death between two mighty empires, when everything 
that his profession could offer was before him ; when 
rank and fortune, and what was dearer than both to 
a mind like his, were apparently within his reach, 
and might have been reasonably anticipated; he is 
doomed to open the campaign with a disaster, which 
was not only in itself most afflicting, and likely to affect 
his professional character ; but which immediately in- 
volved a captivity of interminable duration ; a captivity 
to be rendered more intolerable while it lasted, by hear- 
ing of what was done by others ; and which might be 



1()6 IMEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

extended to such a length, as to mar all future pro- 
spect of promotion or distinctions. It is only neces- 
sary for the reader to place himself in such circumstan- 
ces, and the imagination can easily supply the pictures 
which might have presented themselves to Captain 
Brenton's mind on the occasion ; and, notwithstanding 
this, we find him in the hour of misfortune, calm if 
dejected; resigned to a lot which seemed to involve the 
loss of all he had been seeking; and sustained under 
defeat by the consciousness of having endeavoured to 
do his duty. Something may be ascribed to tempera- 
ment ; something may be ascribed to the buoyant 
character of a profession, which being cast in the midst 
of dangers, lives by surmounting them, and grows 
habitually indifferent to circumstances, by successfully 
struggling against them. But while we cede much to 
causes like these, we need not cede more than is due. 
Many officers no doubt shared the same hard destiny 
with him, and bore with more or less equanimity the 
trial of captivity. No comparison is drawn, nor at- 
tempted to be drawn, between their behaviour and his. 
Our object is not to raise Captain Brenton on this occa- 
sion above others ; but to shew him as he was, and to 
describe how he felt and how he acted. It is not 
essential that a model should be superior to every thing 
else of the kind ; but we feel that it is sufficient for the 
purpose, if it has qualities that should be imitated, and 
tliat may be imitated ; and we know that that example 
is sometimes found to be the most beneficial, which 
comes nearest to the level of him who is to be encouraged 
or directed ])y its contemplation. 



Chap. YI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 167 

It is more than probable that Captain Brenton was 
but one of many in his cheerful submission to his lot, as 
he was but one of many who experienced the same mis- 
fortune during the war; and that the same discipline of 
mind led to the same patience under trial in cases of 
which we know nothing. But his circumstances it will 
be admitted were peculiar ; and it seems unquestionable 
that some higher influence than that of the causes 
referred to, is necessary in order to account for the 
calmness of mind he exhibited during the action, and 
for the cheerfulness which he displayed at the com- 
mencement of his captivity. Temperament might have 
done much, but in naming temperament, it seems fit to 
remind the reader of the shock which his bodily system 
had experienced by the accident that occurred, while 
the Minerve was fitting out. Concussion of the brain too 
often leaves long and melancholy marks of the injury 
sustained by that most delicate of all the elements 
which form the body. His professional zeal we have 
seen had led him to anticipate the moment of recovery, 
and to go to sea before he was capable of enduring the 
fatigues of service. Reluctantly, and under a conviction 
of the absolute necessity of repose, he had once left his 
ship and gone ashore ; and when at last he resumed his 
command, and sailed from Portsmouth for the coast of 
France, it is obvious that he could hardly have been fit 
for service : and that it was the spirit of the man which 
at that moment raised him above the infirmities of the 
body. That in such a state of health he should have 
undergone the trial of such a night, as that on which 
the Minerve was lost ; that he should have developed 



168 MEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

such a variety of resources for the purpose of rescuing 
the ship from the position into which she had run ; that he 
should have met each crisis in the action, with such 
firmness and self-possession, is sufiiciently wonderful. 
It is equally surprising, that after the excitement of the 
defence was over, he should have borne the fatigues 
and humiliations of the march without sinking under 
them ; and I can not but think, that any one who takes 
all into consideration, will come to the conclusion, that 
much which seems admirable, much of that which seems 
surprising in his conduct; cannot be accounted for 
through temperament or natural energy. I believe it 
must be referred to that habitual reliance on God, which 
had been instilled into his mind in childhood, which had 
been retained through all the trials of his youth ; which if 
it had not grown, as it might have done, had never been 
obliterated or lost ; but which lived to be called into activ- 
ity under peculiar circumstances; and which finally, 
through the mercy and longsuffering of God, became that 
faith which works by love ; and made him capable of 
doing all things through Christ that strengthened him. 
But the conclusion renders the example more valu- 
able because it makes it more accessible. If all was to 
be ascribed to natural causes, to firmness of tempera- 
ment and qualities peculiar to the individual, the por- 
trait might be admirable, but it could not be generally 
profitable. The many, who make no pretence to such 
powers, would consider themselves released from all 
duty of imitating an excellence which they could not 
attain to ; and all might feel that they were invited to 
lollow a patli, which it was uncertain whether they 



Chap. YI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 169 

should be able to accomplish. But when we not only 
see an excellence described, which excites our admira- 
tion ; but also see the sources and springs from which it is 
derived laid open ; when we are allowed to feel, that many 
may attain to the eminence which is held up as our 
example, if they will but follow the course, and adopt 
the means that were made use of by those whom we 
admire; the advantage then is multiplied, or rather an 
advantage is realised which before was little more than 
problematical ; and all will be encouraged to strive when 
there is a hope that all may be successful. 

The casual note in the private journal of the subject 
of this memoir as to the uses of adversity, shews that he 
was conscious of the change that was gradually moving 
forward within him, and of the need in which he stood 
of strength and assistance from above. The life of 
excitement which he had hitherto led, was not favour- 
able to the developement or growth of religious senti- 
ment. The grace of God had kept alive the spark, 
that early education had Idndled; and He, who will 
not bruise the broken reed, nor quench the smoking 
flax, had mercifully preserved him from the grosser 
contagion of the world, through the influence of that 
romantic attachment which added dignity to his youthful 
feelings, and that thirst for glory which accompanied it. 
But the process which protected him from what was 
evil, was not equally adapted to foster the growth of 
what is good. The activity of service, the absorbing- 
interest connected with his profession in the time of 
war, saved him no doubt from the evil inseparable from 



m 

170 ]\IEMOIR OF Chap. VI. 

a life of ease ; but his situation as an officer offered no 
advantages of a religious kind, nothing to encourage 
serious thought or reflection. In continual movement 
he had no leisure for reading, no access to those means 
which are usually thought essential to moral improve- 
ment; no opportunity of knowing how other men feel 
and think on matters of a spiritual nature. In all these 
respects, repose was necessary; and we may perhaps 
now be allowed to trace the hand of providence in an 
event, which, afllictive as it was in itself, gave him that 
interval of rest, which he never would have consented 
to seek, or to accept if offered ; and sent him for a time 
to meditate in the retirement of captivity, on the state 
of his own soul, and the real end and object of man's 
being upon earth. 

There can be no doubt that in a moral sense this 
calamity, for such it seemed, and such it doubtless was for 
a time considered by himself, was singularly beneficial. 
He then found leisure, and for the first time probably in 
his life, to review his own principles, to consider his own 
state, and to examine himself whether he was in the faith. 
It was a blessed opportunity, but it was well that he was 
prepared to improve it. Other men had it, but it is 
feared that few used it to the same purpose. If the 
root of the matter had not been in him ; if religion had 
not been long known and truly honoured ; if it had not 
already secured a hold on his heart and affections ; the 
leisure which was given would have been employed as 
leisure too frequently is, by those who pass suddenly 
from tlie excitement of active life, in indolence or folly. 



Chap. VI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 171 

His time would in that case have been wasted, the 
opportunity would have been lost, and the gracious pur- 
pose of God would have been frustrated as to the effect 
it seemed calculated to produce. 

Happily for him, his mind was prepared for the 
trial. That habit of reahsing God in everything that 
happened, and of cheerful submission to his will, which 
formed a chief feature in his character, led in this case 
to resignation. Conscious that as an officer he had 
done his duty, he submitted to his lot with calmness; 
and instead of giving way to regret and despondency 
as if all was lost because he had been once unfortunate ; 
he turned at once to the duties that were before him, 
and endeavoured to be the protector and benefactor of 
those, whom he might have been otherwise leading to 
victory as their commander. With this wholesome 
occupation the mind had no leisure to prey upon itself, 
and to destroy its own energies by comparing what 
might have been his state with that which was. Capti- 
vity ceased to be irksome. The future was no longer 
gloomy, while the present moment was profitably em- 
ployed. The withdrawal from the anxieties and fatigues 
of actual service was salutary, and he felt its beneficial 
effects in mind as well as in body; and through the 
influence of religious feelings on a mind prepared to 
admit them, an interval which might have been past in 
murmurings and unprofitable recollections, became, as 
we shall see in the subsequent pages of the memoir, a 
season of calm enjoyment and of real permanent im- 
provement. 



IMEMOIR OF Chap. YII. 



CHAPTER VII. 



REMOVED FROM EPINAL TO PHALSBURG, AND THENCE TO VERDUN. — SUFFERINGS 
OF THE PEOPLE ON THE MARCH, AND EFFORTS MADE FOR THEIR RELIEF AND 
IMPROVEMENT. — THE REV. ROBERT WOLFE OFFERS HIS SERVICES AND ASSIST- 
ANCE, — MRS. BRENTON'S arrival AT VERDUN. — RESIDENCE AT CHARNI. — 
ILLNESS, AND PERMISSION GRANTED TO RESIDE AT TOURS. — CONDUCT OF 
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE ENGLISH PRISONERS OF WAR. 



The arrangements which have been mentioned, placed 
the officers and midshipmen in a state of comparative 
comfort ; but it was otherwise with the crew. Upon the 
approach of winter, the seamen and marines being un- 
provided with clothes or bedding, and placed upon very 
slender diet, began to suffer severely. A little addition 
was made to their food by subscription amongst the 
officers, when they met as they did every week, at Cap- 
tain Brenton's lodgings, for divine service ; and through 
the same fund a quantity of old tapestry, from some of 
the ruined houses in the neighbourhood, belonging to 
the ci-devant nobility, was purchased, as a covering for 
them at night. 

Again we have access to Captain Brenton's journal. 
" In the middle of November the negociation for an ex- 
(•haiifi,e of prisoners having failed, we were ordered to 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOX. 1 73 

march to Phalsburg, a small fortress in tlie Vosges 
mountains, which was considered a more secure place 
for confining the prisoners than the open town of Epinal. 
We had however scarcely established ourselves in lodg- 
ing there, before we were again removed, and sent to 
Verdun, now estabhshed as a general depot. As this 
place appeared to be nearer the line of our probable 
march to the coast for embarkation ; we persuaded our- 
selves that this sudden removal certainly indicated an 
approaching exchange ; and our spirits were buoyed up 
with the hopes, which cheered us under a very severe 
season. Upon our arrival, however, every prospect of 
release seemed to have vanished, and the dispositions 
that were made for the regulation of the prisoners, were 
evidently such as foreboded the establishment being a 
permanent one. We had however the comfort of a re- 
gular intercourse by letter with England; and those 
which I received at this time were full of affection, of 
piety, fortitude, and resignation. My captivity, your 
beloved mother viewed as the greatest blessing. She 
had been greatly alarmed at the state of my health, 
when I rejoined the Minerve the last time, and attri- 
buted my recovery to my having quitted active service, 
which no other event perhaps could have been the means 
of my doing. She also derived comfort from the idea 
that I was sheltered from the dangers of my profession, 
and from the hope of our being soon restored to each 
other." 

In describing the state of his sailors on this march to 
Phalsburg, Captain Brenton says, " The weather was 
very severe, and numbers of the poor destitute prisoners 



174 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

must have perished, but for the assistance afforded to 
them by their officers, to which the captains of the mer- 
chant vessels very Hberally contributed. 

After marching during the whole of a tempestuous 
day, they reached Rem, where they were to remain for 
the night, and were shut up in a ruined roofless chapel. 
A small quantity of straw thrown upon a broken pave- 
ment, was in a short time soaked with rain ; and each 
man having received his three sols, had no other means 
of procuring food than purchasing it at the door, from 
persons who flocked there with wretched spirituous 
liquors, and boiled liver. The spirits were of course 
preferred, and the money intended for their supper was 
expended in the purchase, leaving the wretched prison- 
ers no other support than their allowance of bread. To 
alleviate as much as possible this distress, on the follow- 
ing day, I requested the officer of the escort to put into 
my hands the daily allowance of three sols for each 
prisoner, to which I added a sum out of the subscription 
purse ; and giving it to one of the gens d'armes, he was 
sent forward to Luneville, where it Avas laid out in meat 
and vegetables, which were cooked in the house of a bour- 
geois ; who, as well as the messenger was remunerated for 
his trouble ; and thus upon the arrival of the prisoners, 
they found at least a comfortable meal ; and being con- 
fined in barracks had less cause to complain of their 
lodgings. So orderly and well behaved were these poor 
fellows, and so obediently respectful in their march, even 
to the youngest midshipman, as well as to their conduc- 
tors, that upon their arrival at Sarrebourg, they were 
allowed to be billeted and quartered among the inhabit- 



Chap.yii. sir jahleel brenton. 175 

ants in small parties, taking with them their respective 
portions of meat and vegetables, the inhabitants cheer- 
fully finding them fire to cook it. 

" At Phalsbourg the men had excellent barracks, but 
they were now in a most deplorable state from want of 
clothes, and lame from performing such a march barefoot. 
To supply the place of shoes, a number of sabots, or 
wooden shoes, in value about three pence per pair were 
sent in; but it was not until stern necessity rendered it 
necessary, that the sailors coald be induced to put them on. 
One, actually with tears in his eyes, exclaimed with an 
expletive, " Who w^ould have thought I should come to 
this :" so inseparable was the association between misery, 
slavery, and wooden shoes in his mind. M. Parmentier, 
the Mayor, treated them with the utmost humanity and 
benevolence. He filled the hospitals with them, that 
they might enjoy the comfort of good beds, and nourish- 
ing food ; and used every exertion in his power to pro- 
cure them supplies of clothing, but without success. A 
slender provision of old blankets had been made, but they 
were some that had been used by the army of the Meuse, 
and had been kept in depot since that time. I previously 
had written to the Admiralty, stating the distresses of the 
prisoners, and requesting permission to procure them 
necessaries, and advance to them a small daily sum, to 
enable them to live. The answer reached me at Phals- 
bourg, approving of my suggestion, and sending me a 
credit of £2000 for the purpose. It arrived most oppor- 
tunely, for the prisoners were again ordered to march. 
Verdun was their destination, as the journal transcribed 
has already shewn. The order to move was peremptory, 



176 MEMOIR OF Chap.VII. 

although the commandant was unprovided with funds to 
pay either the arrears due to the prisoners, or their daily 
allowance of money ; and but for the remittance above- 
mentioned, they must have subsisted until their arrival 
at Nancy (three days) upon their allowance of bread only. 
The prisoners now amounted to four hundred, and were 
formed into three divisions, following each other on 
three successive days. With the first were all the 
officers, and nearly one hundred seamen. They began 
their march in the early part of December. On their 
arrival at Sarrebourg, the people were again confined in 
a place similar to that they had been put into at Rem ; 
but such was the severity of the weather that few of 
them could have survived the night had they remained 
there. However, the commander of the escort declared 
he had neither authority, or means, to give them any other 
accommodation. It was in vain that 1 observed to him, 
that in that very town, only three weeks before, the men 
had been billeted amongst the inhabitants, and had 
shewn themselves worthy of such indulgence by their 
good conduct. I earnestly requested that applica- 
tion might be made to the municipality for permission 
for the people to be again billeted amongst the inhabit- 
ants; but this was objected to, from there being no 
security against their escape. 

" However, on our way to consult a magistrate, 
I observed in the street a house to let; and it oc- 
curred to nic that this house, a capacious one, might 
be hired for the night ; and application being made to 
the owner, he couscntcd to my proposal for a very small 
sum, about fifty francs. The officer of the escort also 



Chap. VIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 177 

consented, on the condition of a further sum being given 
for the soldiers, for the additional duty of a night guard ; 
T giving mj parole at the same time for the prisoners 
not attempting to escape. The number of people to be 
accommodated in this house was about one hundred and 
fifty ; two rem^aining divisions being expected on the two 
following days. The supplies of food for the people 
were immediately ordered to be got ready ; and in the 
meantime a quantity of firew^ood was sent in, and large 
fires made in every room. Heaps of straw were also 
provided, and the meat and soup were brought in in tubs, 
according to the number of inmates destined for each 
room. By the time all was completely prepared, the 
prisoners arrived, and were immediately distributed 
according to the previous arrangement. As no com- 
munication had been made to them, from the time I left 
them in their prison, their joy and delight at the sight 
of so much unexpected comfort, may be better conceived 
than described ; tired, and perishing with cold and hun- 
ger, their food, their fire, and their straw, were indeed 
luxuries, which it requires a person to be in their situa- 
tion thoroughly to appreciate. This they certainly did 
do, nor was their loyalty to their beneficent sovereign 
and grateful country forgotten, in their expressions of 
enjoyment. Fires under a proper watch were kept 
throughout the night ; and day-break found the poor men 
refreshed, and grateful, ready to resume their march, in 
the most contented and willing state of discipline. The 
good effect produced by this arrangement led me to 
request of the magistrate, that the two following divi- 
sions might have the benefit of the house in the same 

N 



178 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

manner ; to which he at once assented. A sum was 
accordingly left in his hands for the payment of the 
rent, and the provision of food and fuel; and each divi- 
sion enjoyed the unexpected treat that awaited them. 
My officers and myself, with the first division, marched 
on successively to Sarrebourg, Luneville, Nancy, and 
St. Michel to Verdun, where we arrived on the 1 7th of 
December, and were joined by the other two divisions. 
Here the people were allowed to repose for some days, 
previous to their continuing their march to their destined 
depot, Givet, on the banks of the Mouse ; and this time 
was taken advantage of, in clothing the prisoners from 
head to foot, in a warm substantial manner, and in pro- 
viding them with blankets. In the course of a week 
they proceeded on their route, but having none of the 
officers to superintend their conduct, and watch over 
them; they were soon again involved in misery; and 
a large part of their clothes were disposed of for the 
merest trifle to provide for their wants. So true it is, 
that seamen even of experience, and of sterling abilities 
in the exercise of their profession, are but children 
of a larger growth when on shore ; and hence arises 
the necessity for that rigorous superintendence, so 
much blamed by those who are ignorant of the 
sailor's character. Hence also it is that officers whilst 
their men are under their command on board ship, are 
obliged to keep lists of every article of their clothing, 
and to call them to a rigid account, when any of 
tlicm arc missing. The consequence of the separation 
of these men from their officers in this case was, that 
when they arrived at Givet, after a march of five or six 



Chap.yii. sir jahleel brenton. 179 

days from Verdun, they were again in a state of 
destitution. The barracks at Givet not being in readi- 
ness to receive them ; they were marched up to the 
fortress of Charlemont, and there confined in a sou- 
terrain, with all the old system of suttlers, and wet 
straw, and want of clothing renewed ; and this in the 
last days of December, in that inclement climate. 

The officers in the mean time were permanently 
settled at Verdun, to which place all the Enghsh 
detenus, from every part of France, were assembled ; 
forming perhaps one of the most extraordinary groupes 
of character, that had ever been collected in the same 
spot. There were many highly respectable, and ex- 
emplary persons; some of whom had been travelhng 
in France for their pleasure, some for the purpose of 
educating their children, and some for economy. There 
were others, whose sole object was curiosity, or dissi- 
pation. There were many skilful artificers, who had 
brought their talent to a French market, and were 
engaged in setting up manufactures, that might rival 
or surpass their own country. There were many, who 
from seditious conduct, and republican principles, had 
found it necessary to take shelter in France. There 
were fraudulent bankrupts, and broken tradesmen. 
There were many who had fled from their creditors, 
and even some who had fled from the gallows. With 
this motley assemblage the prisoners of war were 
involved, enveloped in one measure, subject to the 
same proscription, and the same parole. The amalga- 
mation was not very favourable to the latter, particu- 
larly the younger branches of the service. Much good 



180 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

was done, and some striking instances of conduct higlilj 
honourable to Great Britain occurred ; but all know the 
influence of bad example, and how easily it captivates 
the unwary. This very soon became evident. Gam- 
ing houses were set up by the French government's 
authority, and a notice was stuck up against the door, 
that " They were exclusively for the English ; and that 
the French were forbidden to frequent them." 

Captain Brenton received a letter early in January 
from one of the prisoners at Charlemont, informing 
him of the situation to which they were again reduced, 
and imploring him to visit them if possible. He im- 
mediately waited upon the General commanding at 
Verdun, and requested and obtained permission, on 
condition that he would take a gens d'armes with him 
in the carriage, and consider himself for the time in 
his custody. To this he readily agreed, and proceeded 
to Givet, through Stenay, Sedan, Rocroy, and the 
Ardennes. On reaching the place he immediately went 
to Charlemont, and found that the statement he had 
received was not in the least exaggerated. It was a 
complete recurrence of the worst days, and all was to be 
done over again. It is but justice however to the French 
Military Authority to say, that every facility was given 
to Captain Brenton for the purpose of carrying out the 
object of his journey. The barracks, very spacious build- 
ings on the banks of the Mouse, were now ready. The 
rooms were large, and capable of containing twenty men 
in cacli : and the following letter from Captain Brenton 
to the Transport Board, will best explain the measures 
taken for tlie comfort of the prisoners. 



Chap. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 181 

"Verdun, January 25, 1804. 
^^ Gentlemen, 

^' The British seamen, prisoners of war, having 
been sent to Charlemont, in the department of Ardennes, I judged 
it necessary to apply to the French government for permission to 
go there, that I might see them properly clothed, and supplied 
with what might be indispensibly necessary for their comfort. 
This indulgence was instantly granted, and I have just returned 
from thence. I beg leave to lay before you an account of the 
measures, which I have thought proper to take for the present, 
until I receive your orders for my future guidance. The prisoners 
are allow^ed, by the French government, three sols per day, one 
pound and a half of bread, a bundle of straw, and a small quantity 
of wood. The latter is by no means sufficient to dress their victuals, 
and a part of it has always been stopped to pay for the hire of 
kettles to dress their meat, and earthen pans to put it in when 
cooked. 

^^ Upon my arrival at Charlemont, I found orders had been 
received there for the prisoners to be removed to the great barracks 
at Givet, upon the banks of the Meuse, in a healthy good situa- 
tion. They are divided into rooms containing twenty men each, 
with brick floors. The rooms are how^ever comfortable, spacious, 
well shaped, perfectly clean, with a good chimney in each. As no 
furniture of any kind is allowed thsm, I have hired ten bedsteads 
for each room. The bedstead with a palliasse is sufficient for two 
men. For the bedstead and palliasse I pay ten sols each per 
month. The prisoners are allowed a blanket by the French 
government, in addition to which I have furnished them with 
others, as I stated in my letter of the first. I considered this 
arrangement as better than purchasing bedding, which would 
create a great expense j and in the event of the depot being 
changed, be impossible to carry. In order to prevent the stop- 
page taking place in the quantity of fuel, I have also hired a 
kettle, jug, and two earthen pans for each room, wdiich costs thirty 
sols a month. Well aware that by putting any sura into the hands 
of the seamen, it might, in many instances, occasion intoxication 
and improper conduct; and that by supplying clothing only, without 



182 MEMOIR OF Chap.VIL 

adding to their allowance of provisions, I should have defeated his 
Majesty's most gracious intentions of succouring his distressed 
subjects, as their clothes would have been sold to supply their 
wants; I have judged it necessary, till I have received your 
directions, to continue their daily allowance, as mentioned in my 
last, viz. six sols to the people belonging to his Majesty's vessels 
and packets ; four sols to those belonging to merchants' service ; 
and three sols to boys. I have contracted with a butcher at Givet, 
to supply them with half a pound of good meat a day, at two sous 
per pound below the market price, which is brought to them every 
morning at nine o'clock, and distributed to the several rooms. 
The chiefs of the several rooms receive the payment due to their 
companions, from the French government, a certain part of which 
is appropriated to the purchase of vegetables, and the remainder 
distributed for the purpose of supplying their inferior wants. I 
have directed that the care of their clothes should be indispensibly 
necessary to their receiving a continuation of indulgence; that 
they should be regularly mustered every week; and that who- 
soever shall be found deficient, his allowance shall be stopped until 
the article missing can be purchased and committed to his charge. 

^^ In order to insure obedience to these regulations, regularity in 
the payment, and good order in general, I have placed Mr. W. T. 
Bradshaw, acting clerk of the Minerve, a young man of excellent 
character, as superintendent, who will pay particular attention to 
the comfort and good order of the people, and have allowed him, 
until I can receive your directions on the subject, two shillings per 
day, and sixpence per league travelling expences from Verdun to 
Charlemont, as he belonged to this depot, until removed by my 
application. 

" I feel it a pleasing duty to say, that the prisoners are treated 
with the utmost kindness and attention by the French officer, 
charged with their superintendence; from whom I have received 
every i)ossiblc assistance, and indulgence, in the performance of my 
duty; and it is with the most heartfelt satisfaction, I can state, 
that his Maj(isty's most gracious bounty has been attended with 
tii(! liappiost effects ; and that I left my countrymen on the 16th 
instant, cheerful, contented, and grateful in the highest degree. 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 183 

" Upon my return to Verdun I found that Captain Gower and 
liis officers had arrived there. Captain Gower, wishing to see the 
wants of his own ship's company supplied, immediately set out for 
Valenciennes, where they are. I have in consequence given him 
a letter of credit on Messrs. Peregaux for ^400 for the purpose. 

" We have a depot here of nearly one hundred men, provided 
for, as those at Givet^ there is also a depot of prisoners at Bitche, 
who have as yet received very little assistance, for which purpose 
I mean to set out for that place on the 30th instant, having pro- 
cured permission. I have also clothed fifty men, left in the hospi- 
tal at Phalsbourg, through the assistance of the municipality. 
The clothes are of a higher price than those I have purchased, 
but at the same time of a much better quality, as I have observed 
by some of the people passing through this place, on their way to 
Givet, the prices vary very much at the different places. I have 
endeavoured to unite comfort with economy. I beg leave to annex 
the different prices. There are here a few commissioned and petty 
officers, who have been passed from Toulon, and having had no 
opportunity of procuring supplies from England, are consequently 
for the moment in great distress. I flatter myself that I have only 
anticipated your wishes, in giving to each a small sum on account 
of their pay, viz. to a lieutenant ^10, and to a midshipman £5. I 
must request you will be pleased to grant me a further supply of 
money, as what now remains, must in a few weeks be exhausted. 

" Having met with ten masters of merchantmen in the forest of 
Ardenne, on their way to Verdun, totally destitute of money, hav- 
ing only three sols a day, and in the most wretched apparel, I gave 
to each of them a small sum of money for their present necessities, 
amounting to forty-four livres and four sols; and since my return 
to Verdun, have extended the like aid to several other masters in 
the same predicament. There is a number of men to whom such 
assistance would be highly useful, and who I really believe do 
not possess the means of procuring relief for themselves; but as 
they are allowed twenty-nine livres per month by the French 
government, I could not take upon myself to act in their favour, 

without your instructions for that purpose. 1 have, &c. &c. 

(Signed) "JAHLEEL BRENTOlSr.'' 



184 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

Captain Brenton says, "On my return to Verdun, 
I found dissipation and extravagance the order of the 
day. The gaming tables were in full career, and fre- 
quented by the greater part of the prisoners, who 
could collect a stake whereby to try their fortune. 
The result was, as might have been expected, extensive 
misery and wretchedness, with many acts of gross 
misconduct. The studies of the young people were 
greatly interrupted, and a gloomy prospect presented 
itself for the remainder of the captivity." On another 
occasion, it appears to have been on a visit to the 
depots and hospitals of Bitche, Captain Brenton says, 
" I set off on the day appointed, visiting on my way 
the hospitals of Metz, Nancy, Luneville, Blemont and 
Phalsbourg, in each of which I found many English 
prisoners. T was accompanied in this journey by the 
Rev. Lancelot Charles Lee, an English Clergyman, 
who having been travelling in France, at the period of 
the war breaking out, was included in the general 
arrest, and sent to Verdun. This gentleman, who 
devoted all his time and property to the relief of his 
fellow sufferers, volunteered accompanying me, in the 
expectation of finding many of his fellow detenus in 
the different prisons and hospitals, we were likely to 
visit; nor was he disappointed; for many were found, 
and all were relieved to the utmost extent of his power. 
The society of this amiable man was a source of much 
enjoyment to me; and the foundation of a friendship 
was laid at this time, which lasted during the re- 
mainder of Mr. Lee's life." He died at his living near 
Oxfoi-.l ill tlic year 1842 or 1843. A singular in- 



Chap. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 185 

stance of the ability of the persons employed in the 
charge of prisoners, and their fitness for the office they 
had to fill, occurred upon the occasion of their journey. 
'^ The gens d^armes who had been sent with me to Givet, 
upon my first visit there, appeared very anxious to learn 
English ; enquiring the name of every article which pre- 
sented itself in that language, and making awkward 
attempts to pronounce it. He at the same time gave 
some not obscure hints, as to his feelings respecting the 
situation of prisoners ; shewing that he considered those 
who had left families at home, as almost justified, in any 
effort they might make to effect their escape. This at 
once put me on my guard, as to the treachery I might 
expect from my companion, if I were to give him the 
slightest advantage, even in common conversation ; and 
I consequently avoided the subject of the prisoners 
vfith the greatest care, keeping my escort at as great a 
distance as circumstances would admit. But as it was 
customary for all prisoners who were placed under the 
particular custody of gens d'armes to admit them to 
their table ; a custom I felt obliged to follov/, as much 
of the good 1 hoped to do for the prisoners, would 
depend on my being on friendly terms with this man. 
This rendered my situation the more dangerous. 
The journey however was performed, and no effort 
made by the gens d'armes at mischief On ray next 
journey I was told that the same guard would attend 
me. He persevered in his apparent efforts to pick up 
a little English. Convinced as Mr. Lee and myself 
were of this man's utter ignorance of the English 
language, we felt under no restraint before him, but 



186 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. VIL 

indulged ourselves in talking freely upon every subject 
which presented itself. The French Government, the 
first Consul, the treatment of the prisoners, and even 
the conduct of this man himself, whose gluttony, and 
egregious vanity, and boasting, made him a very pro- 
minent subject for remark, and ridicule, were all very 
freely handled; but all this passed before him without 
producing the slightest effect upon the muscles of his 
countenance; and yet upon our return to Verdun, it 
was discovered that this very man spoke EngHsh as 
well as French; and had been five years in the Irish 
Brigade under General Stack, in the French service. 
This information was given to me by the General him- 
self. That no mischief was done by this person, can 
only be accounted for, on the supposition, that the object 
of his espionage was to detect, if possible, the existence 
of any plan of importance, either respecting the escape 
of prisoners, or as connected with some of the diplomatic 
secrets at that time carried on by Mr. Drake, at Munich, 
whom Buonaparte considered as involved in the conspi- 
racies of Georges, and his accomplices. Nothing having 
transpired that could have been brought to bear upon 
this subject, silence was imposed upon the spy, on 
every other point, as no good could result from the 
disclosure. 

" Whilst changing horses on the road to Givet, a beg- 
gar came to the carriage to whom I gave a sol ; which my 
companion, the gens d'armes, observing, said, ' Monsieur, 
voila un do mcs defants. Je suis trop charitableo Je ne 
vols jamais la miserc, sans que les larmes me viennent 
aux yeux.' None were however observable on this 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 187 

occasion, nor did lie give any other testimony of his 
being ' trop charitable/ On our arriving in the even- 
ing at Rocroix, where we were to sleep, another gens 
d'armes presented himself, who being a brother Briga- 
dier to my escort, was invited to join the dinner party ; 
and the prowess of the French troops became naturally 
a subject of conversation. The charitable gens d'armes 
then observed to me, ' Ah, Monsieur, voila un autre de 
mes defants. Je suis, trop brave o si vous pourriez 
me voir marcher centre une redonte — ah, vraiment c'est 
une chose a voir/ 

" On our arrival at Phalsbourg we found nearly fifty 
men still in the hospital, of those who had been left 
there on the breaking up of the depot in December; 
and it is but justice to that worthy man. Monsieur 
Parmentier, the mayor, (whose kindness to the priso- 
ners I before mentioned) to say, that it is impossible 
any people could have been treated with more kind- 
ness, and real benevolence, than these people were ; 
much praise is also due to M. Geville, the surgeon of 
the hospital. I mentioned in my official letter to the 
Transport Board, the conduct of M, Parmentier, and 
stated that he had a relation, M. Leopold Liot, who 
had been taken prisoner at St. Domingo ; and re- 
quested that he might be liberated, as an expression of 
gratitude to M. Parmentier, and I have the impression 
on my mind that this was granted. From Phalsbourg 
we proceeded to Bltche, where we found forty men 
confined in a souterrain. These were generall}^ per- 
sons who had been detected in an attempt to make 
their escape, and were sent here as a punishment, and 



188 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

at the same time for greater security. On our return 
we visited Nancy and Metz, relieving the prisoners in 
the hospitals at those j)laces ; and reached Verdun in 
the early part of March.'' 

Soon after the prisoners had assembled at Verdun, 
the Rev. Robert B. Wolfe, a Clergyman of the Church 
of England, who was a detenu, arrested while living at 
Fontainbleau, made an offer of his services for the 
performance of divine worship. Applications were in 
consequence made to the General, for the use of a 
Government building, then vacant, which had formerly 
been the chapel of a convent : and this being granted, 
the service was regularly performed every Sunday, to a 
congregation consisting of by far the greater part of 
the prisoners, and amounting to more than one hun- 
dred persons. Mr. Wolfe received frequent assistance 
from the Rev. W. Gordon, another very amiable young 
clergyman, amongst the detenus. A school was at the 
same time established for the children of the prisoners, 
and for the boys taken in the vessels of war, and 
merchant vessels ; all of whom under a certain age had 
been permitted to remain at Verdun. These boys 
having been clothed uniformly in neat jackets and 
trowsers, were marched to church on the Sunda}^, but 
tlic display proved to bo unwise. The French autho- 
rities took umbrage at it, and an order was soon 
received fi*om Paris, that the whole of these children 
should be sent off to Sarrclibre, to a new depot which 
had been formed at that place, to the great detriment 
of these young people, indeed it may be said, to the 
utter ruin ul' many. 



Chap. VIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOIS^ 189 

In the course of the spring a very great increase 
had been made in the number of prisoners. The officers 
of several ships of war, of Indiamen, and other vessels, 
had arrived, as well as detenus from the more remote 
parts of France. Verdun began to lose the appearance 
of a French town ; and many shops with English signs 
and English designations were seen, such as " Anderson, 
grocer and tea dealer, from London ; Stuckey, tailor 
and ladies' habit maker, from London, &c. &c." The 
Rue Moselle, the principal street in Verdun, got the 
nom de guerre of Bond Street, and was often called by 
the French themselves, " Bon Street." Races were 
established, and a race course hired, and fitted up, 
near the village of Charni, with distance posts, stew- 
ards' box, &c. &c. A pack of beagles was procured, 
which was hunted regularly three times a week, and 
became a very favourite amusement. A motley groupe 
followed them, consisting entirely of prisoners, with 
horses of every description ; sometimes as many as 
forty horsemen being seen in the field ; but it was an 
amusement eagerly followed up, and seemed to break 
the monotony of the prisoner's life, being something to 
look forward to. 

The General in allowing the exercise of hunting, 
granted a Rayon of two leagues on each side of 
Verdun ; but this was qualified by the necessity each 
prisoner was under of signing his name in a book kept 
for the purpose in an office at Verdun, twice in the 
course of the day ; viz., once between eight and ten in 
the morning, and again between two and four in the 
afternoon. Those who wished to hunt therefore, took 



190 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

care to sign as early as they could in the morning, and 
pro^dded they could ensure returning before four, they 
felt secure as to their last signature. It was necessary 
in consequence that the hunt should begin early, and 
it was seldom of long duration. This necessity of 
appearing twice a day was felt by the superior officers, 
who had been taken in arms, as a great indignity, 
and forcibly remonstrated against by them in the 
following letter. 

''Sir, 

" We feel it a duty we owe to ourselves, and the 
rank we hold in the British Navy, to remonstrate against the 
treatment we receive as prisoners of war. When under the neces- 
sity of surrendering the ships we commanded to the arms of the 
French republic, we considered ourselves under its protection. 
We were taken in the performance of our duty, which in all ages, 
and in every part of the world, has been considered as the most 
noble either in public or in private life ; that of supporting the 
cause of our country in open and honourable warfare. No exer- 
tions could save us from captivity under the circumstances attend- 
ing our ships; no honour was consequently lost, and misfortune 
ought to strengthen our claims to hospitality. The fate of war has 
placed us in the hands of the French republic, and from it. Sir, we 
have a right to demand that respect, which the customs of all 
civilized nations accord to officers of our rank, who have not for- 
feited their titles to it by improper conduct. Ours has been invari- 
ably regulated by a sacred attention to the word of honour exacted 
from us upon landing in France, nor can we recollect having given 
the slightest cause of complaint. We are now placed on a level 
with the lowest description of prisoner, and enjoy no distinction 
whatever above them. Notwithstanding we have pledged our 
honour not to leave Verdun without permission, we are ordered 
to j)rcsent ourselves twice in each day, to verify our keeping it. 
The Captains of the French ships Carriers, St. Nicholas, and 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 191 

Success, taken by the ships we commanded in the late war, can 
testify how differently they were treated whilst our prisoners. 

^' You must naturally expect, Sir, that under such circumstances 
we should feel and act as we do in laying a statement of these facts 
before you. 

" We are. Sir, &c. 

E. L. GOWER, 
JAHLEEL BRENTON"." 
"To His Excei^lenct 

The Minister or Marine." 

No answer was returned to this letter; the cause 
probably was, that it was referred to the Bureau of the 
Minister of war, who was charged with the control of 
the prisoners, for from the invariable kindness of Mons. 
Decres, the Minister of Marine, there can be but little 
doubt of his readiness to attend to so just a complaint. 
In the course of a few weeks, however, an indulgence 
was granted to the officers of rank to sign only every 
fifth day, and the same privilege was extended to the 
principal of the detenus. 

It is proper to mention here a fact, which occurred at 
this period of Captain Brenton's confinement, which is 
not only interesting in itself, but which eventually may 
have led to some important consequences to him and 
his associates in captivity. He was visiting at the 
house of a French gentleman in Verdun, and was struck 
by a large picture hanging up in the room, in which a 
person strikingly resembhng the master of the house 
was painted, in the act of giving charity to a ragged 
little boy; and on enquiring what the picture was 
intended to represent, he received the following affect- 
ing little narrative from M. Godard, the gentleman 



192 MEMOIR or Chap. VII. 

himself. During the reign of terror/' he stated that 
" both Madame Godard and himself were arrested, and 
confined in prison, in the hourly expectation of being 
sent to the guillotine; while their family, consisting of 
six young children, were left totally unprotected. After 
some days passed under the most dreadful anxiety, 
Robespierre having been put to death, the prisoners 
were released, and flying to their home found all their 
children but one; and after the most indefatigable 
search, they could obtain no information respecting 
him. It was supposed that he must have perished in 
some of the conflicts which were of daily occurrence in 
Paris ; and he was accordingly given up and mourned 
over as dead. Three or four years afterwards M. 
Godard, having business in Holland, went to Rotter- 
dam, and was accosted in the streets by a boy in rags, 
begging. The child's accent was evidently French, 
and attracted M. Godard's notice. On asking his 
country, he said that it was France, and .that his name 
was Remain. And what besides, asked the gentleman 
with great agitation? The boy replied. Remain God- 
ard. In fact it was the missing child. The father's 
joy may be easily conceived. He found that the child 
expecting to be put to death at Paris, had contrived to 
join a party going to Holland, where he had long sub- 
sisted upon charity. He was of course soon returned 
to the bosom of his family, and received as one from 
the dead by his afllicted mother. 

On Captain Brenton's continuing his enquiries re- 
specting the youth, he was told that he had been sent 
out to St. Domingo on employment ; and on that island 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 193 

being evacuated by General Rochambeau, in 1803, Re- 
main had embarked in a merchant vessel for France ; 
but he was taken on the passage by an English 
cruizer ; and was at that time actually on board the 
Sultan, prison ship, in Portsmouth harbour. 

Captain Brenton immediately wrote to the Transport 
Board, stating all the circumstances of this most affect- 
ing case, and suggesting that as M. Godard was very 
much respected at Verdun, the indulgence of his son's 
release might have a happy effect upon the welfare of 
the British prisoners in that depot. The Transport 
Board immediately obtained the sanction of the Admi- 
ralty to his being liberated ; and in a few weeks he 
arrived once more in the paternal dwelling. 

No comment need be made on this simple but affect- 
ing story. It shews how wonderfully, and yet how 
mysteriously, the purposes of Providence are accom- 
plished; but it also shews how various are the oppor- 
tunities of doing good, which are placed within the 
reach of those who are diligent in seeking for them. 

Much real good probably did arise from this conver- 
sation. The young Godard was delivered from a very 
miserable and protracted captivity, and his family were 
made happy by his restoration. But beyond this, we can- 
not doubt that a kindly feeling was generated towards 
the English prisoners by the interference which led to 
his release ; the bitter feelings which war has a tendency 
to produce in hostile nations were mitigated, and an 
interchange of kindness must have reminded the parties 
concerned, that the real happiness of man is the making 
others happy. 



194 MEMOIE OF Chap. VIL 

But while these were the apparent occupations of 
Captain Brenton, while he was thus busily employed in 
relieving the distresses and promoting the welfare of all 
around him, there was much passing within his own 
mind of which the world knew nothing ; and his labours 
for the good of others were secretly promoting his own. 
Light broke in on his own mind, while he was endea- 
vouring to enlighten others. His work and labour of 
love were made the means of awakening his mind 
to truths which had hitherto been partially considered 
and imperfectly felt; and these benevolent employ- 
ments which withdrew him from the ordinary dissi- 
pations of the world led him to meditate more deeply 
and seriously on the real interests of man, on his own 
state before God, and his future final prospects. 

"At this time," his private journal says, " I began to 
reflect seriously upon my religious opinions. I had 
indeed long been in the habit of attending to the form 
of religion, particularly from the period of my having 
served under that exemplary character. Sir James Sau- 
marez. It had been habitual to me on the approach of 
danger or battle, to offer up a mental prayer for support ; 
but upon a more deliberate examination I came to the 
conclusion, that Christianity made no part of my reli- 
(jion; that it was almost entirely confined to the first sen- 
tence in the Prayer book, 'When the wicked man turn- 
oth away from his wickedness,' &c. T had always felt 
some indefinite purpose of doing this, and of amending 
my life ; but then it was only done in trying myself by 
tlic letter of the commandment ; and when there was not 
a decided breach of duty, I felt perfectly satisfied. With 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 195 

regard to the New Testament, it hardly appeared to me 
as of any importance ; it was seldom read, and less medi- 
tated upon. I was scrupulous in performing a certain 
round of duties, in the cold and heartless manner which 
may be supposed ; but they were all tasks performed in 
fear, and none in love. The only light which seemed to 
break through the thick mist of utter darkness, arose 
from occasional glimpses of the working of Divine Pro- 
vidence. I had very long been in the habit of attribut- 
ing my successes, and my preservation from danger, to 
Omnipotence, and not to second causes ; but this is the 
utmost amount of religious feeling to which at that 
period [ could lay any claim. The same merciful and 
long-suffering Being, who had spared and prospered 
me, still continued his divine and wonderful forbear*- 
ance; and 1 may have been made, even under these 
appalling circumstances of ignorance and error, an 
instrument in keeping up among those around me, 
some faint recollection of spiritual things, so far at 
least as shewing the worship of God to be a duty, if it 
were lost sight of as a privilege.^' 

It may be profitable that the reader's attention 
should be drawn to these expressions ; and that he 
should trace the progress of light in the mind of the 
subject of this memoir, by considering the way in 
which he here viewed and judged himself That the 
journal contains a simple artless narrative of his own 
experience, must be evident to every one who reads it. 
It was designed for the perusal of those who knew 
him best, to whom his heart was always open with all 
its workings, and who were in consequence capable of 



196 MEMOIR or Chap. VII. 

interpreting its language, and understanding its mean- 
ing ; and that the writer could have wished to impose 
on them a notion which did not exist in his own mind, 
or in any degree to disguise or exaggerate his own 
feelings, is impossible to be believed. Still we must 
be surprised at hearing the language which he uses 
concerning his own state, and in particular the de- 
scription here given of his religious feelings. At the 
period spoken of, he was not only a moral character, 
but an exemplary man. The world had not only 
known him as a distinguished officer, but had seen him 
discharging accurately and fully all the relative duties 
of society, as a son, as a brother, as a husband, as a 
friend. In the circle at Verdun, the humanity and 
kindness which he had exhibited towards the poorer 
prisoners, and the exertions and self-denial he was 
submitting to in their service, had probably caused 
him to be considered as a model of benevolence and 
charity ; while the regularity with which he attended 
to his religious duties, and the efforts which he made 
for the moral improvement of the people, led them to 
regard him as a man of piety. 

We cannot be surprised at this having been the 
conclusion which was drawn by others from what was 
seen ; but we may with reason be surprised at the 
confession which we read, and at the acknowledgment 
tlius recorded, by the object of the world's admiration, 
that he was at the moment so far from what they 
tliought him. Some allowance must be made for the 
liumiHty with which a man, once awakened to the 
real state of his heart, will speak of his own attain- 



Chap. VII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 197 

ments ; some further allowance must be made for the 
circumstances of dejection under which he first drew up 
this memorial ; but it still may be expedient to state 
the causes which may have occasioned this remarkable 
difference between the apparent character, and that 
which he considered to be the truth, and which raised 
him in appearance, so high above that which he knew 
and felt to be his real condition. Those who had the 
advantage of knowing Sir Jahleel Brenton personally, 
can bear witness to what may be stated of the singular 
amenity of his character. His natural affections were 
so strong, his tastes so refined, his manners so gentle, 
his kindness so consistent ; that much of what the 
world calls goodness, seemed to grow up in him spon- 
taneously, and cost him nothing. He was amiable 
without an effort, benevolent without reflection ; and 
habitually thinking more of others than himself, he 
exhibited from his earliest years much of that love 
which is the fulfilhng of the law, as a rule of life, 
without feeling that love which supersedes the law as a 
ground of hope. The active habits of his profession, 
a high sense of the character that he was to maintain 
as a British officer, and that thirst for glory, but too 
justly described as the last infirmity of noble minds ; 
conspired to give vigour and animation to his moral 
feelings, and to raise him above all that was base or 
degrading. To these high toned principles of action, 
his early and persevering attachment added delicacy 
and tenderness of sentiment ; and it is not impossible to 
trace the effect which these united and combined cir- 
cumstances must have had, in producing as fine a 



198 MEMOIK OF Chap. VII. 

substitute for that, which in reahty is the work of grace 
on the heart, as can well be conceived. Under the in- 
fluence of these impressions he was in the fullest sense 
what the world thought him. He was excellent in all 
social relations ; he was brave, kind, generous, and for- 
giving ; but he was not what he had flattered himself 
with being, a real Christian. Acquaintance with himself, 
the result of leisure, meditation, trial, all used by the 
Holy Spirit, and employed for the purpose of awakening 
his conscience, and enlightening his mind, enabled him 
to see the source from which these qualities proceeded, 
and thus to understand their real nature. He then saw, 
that through life he had been striving to obtain the 
favour of man rather than that of God. He saw that 
the love of men, and the praise of men had been 
desired, and not the praise of God. He felt that he 
had been touched by the love which his fellow crea- 
tures bore to him, w^hile strange to say, he had been 
indiff^erent to the love which he beheved that his 
Redeemer had evinced towards him. He saw that his 
own glory, not the glory of God had been the object 
of his ambition ; and that though his life had been led 
in a very different way from that in w^hich it was spent 
by others, it had not been lived to God as in duty 
it ought to have been. He thus learnt, that that 
which was highly esteemed among men, might be an 
abomination to God ; and the twilight of his former 
state seemed nothing less than darkness, when com- 
pared with the brightness of the truth which burst on 
liis mind as revealed in the Gospel. Those qualities 
which liad won him the affections of his family and his 



Chap. YIL SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 199 

friends, that warm and disinterested benevolence which 
had made him the instrument of mercy to so many 
in distress, were considered in a very different way, 
when their principles were analysed, and their real 
nature ascertained ; and he no doubt was astonished 
at finding how far it was possible to go in what seemed 
to be the ways of God, without having really known the 
motives by which he was actuated. Other men less 
happily constituted, would have been in less danger 
of self deception. The evil that was in them, lay 
nearer to the surface, and would have germinated and 
shewn itself sooner. His danger arose from that 
which seemed to be his security ; and the man whom 
all the world was agreeing to admire and to love, 
was likely to be lost, because nothing occurred to 
awaken his anxiety, or to lead him to suspect himself. 

Adverting to the time that the British seamen re- 
mained at Epinal, during the first months of their cap- 
tivity, from August to the commencement of December, 
Captain Brenton says, " Their conduct in general was 
such as to procure them the respect of the inhabitants. 
Some of them remarked to me, that their town had in 
the previous war, been made a general depot for prison- 
ers ; that they had had Austrians, Poles, Russians, and in 
short men of all nations in Europe confined there ; and 
that the consequence was, that the whole district was in- 
fested by beggars ; but that although the British seamen 
were evidently worse off than any who had preceded them, 
there was no instance of any of them being seen beg- 
ging. Another circumstance very creditable to the 
British sailor was, that the inhabitants of Epinal were 



200 MEMOIR OF Chap. YII. 

anxious to get the prisoners to^ do labouring work 
for them ; but none accepted this employment without 
my permission. I gladly consented to their having such 
advantage, under one only restriction, the necessity of 
which was obvious ; that they should not engage in any 
of the public works usually performed by French sol- 
diers; lest having taken the place of these men, the 
soldiers might be sent to the army. To these condi- 
tions they invariably adhered, in spite of threats and 
coercion/' 

On the establishment of the depot at Sarrelibre, Cap- 
tain Brenton says, " I applied for permission to visit 
the prisoners who were confined there, but my request 
was refused. An evident feeling of jealousy began 
at this time to manifest itself, with regard to the 
influence the British officers exercised over their 
countrymen ; and all communication was forbidden 
between them. In the course of the autumn I ob- 
tained permission to reside at Etain, a little village 
about twelve miles from Verdun. General Abercrombie 
was my companion, he was the son of Sir Ralph, and 
had been arrested at Calais, just as he was stepping into 
the packet for England, previous to the commencement 
of the war. We were enjoying with great relish this 
little change in our captivity, when a detenu of rank 
thought proper to make his escape; and having suc- 
ceeded, he wrote to the French government, defending 
his conduct ; and adding that no detenu considered his 
promise to l)e binding. In consequence of this conduct 
all the prisoners w^ero instantly recalled to Verdun. 
'rii(3 gates were shut, and all passports taken away ; 



Chap. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 201 

nor could the prisoners under such circumstances justly 
complain of the severity exercised towards them. The 
officers taken in active service again remonstrated, 
but for a time without effect. The measures of restraint 
however were soon again relaxed, and they returned 
to their former state. 

Relative to this period the journal supplies the 
following entry, as made from a paper left by Mrs. 
15renton. July 3rd, 1804, she writes, ''Grant 
most merciful God, that my beloved husband may this 
day be reflecting with gratitude on his escape from 
the perils of this day year, and returning humble 
thanks to Thee for his preservation. Continue to 
protect him, heavenly Father, and if it be according 
to Thy all wise decree, grant that he may soon return 
in health and safety.'^ To this simple and touching- 
prayer the husband has subjoined, "I earnestly hope that 
I did fulfil your beloved mother's most pious wishes 
in offering up on that day, my grateful recollection and 
praises to the Almighty, for the protection He had 
been pleased to vouchsafe me on the day of my 
capture. '^ I have for many years endeavoured to 
retain the impression upon my mind, by making it 
a part of my daily prayer : " Almighty God, father 
of all mercies," he adds, " from my earliest infancy 
Thou hast blessed and protected me. Thou didst bless 
my dearest parents, and make us their children, the 
instruments of their welfare. Lord, in the hour of 
danger, and in the day of battle, on the bed of sick- 
ness, how constantly Thou hast protected me. mer- 
ciful Creator, Thou hast preserved unto me for a series 



202 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

of years, the greatest of earthly blessings, a virtuous 
and affectionate wife. Thou hast supported her in the 
hour of trial, Thou hast enabled her to bear her afflic- 
tions. Thou hast softened the miseries of my captivity, 
by the protection of my wife and child." " Although 
(he continues) we had not at this time been united much 
more than two years, I considered that my wife had 
been preserved unto me, from the earliest period of 
my fixing my affections upon her, more than thirteen 
years previous to our marriage." On Sunday, 29th 
July, 1804, Mrs. Brenton writes again ; " I have had the 
pleasure of conversing with Mr. Forbes and his family 
about my invaluable husband, and listened with delight 
to the praises bestowed upon him. Continue to pre- 
serve him, merciful God, if it be according to Thy 
divine will, and Thy all wise decrees. Grant that he 
may soon return in health and safety : this I beg 
through Jesus Christ our Lord." 

Captain Brenton remarks, " Mr. Forbes had been 
detained as a prisoner in France, with many more of his 
countrymen, whilst on his travels ; but he was liberated 
at the instance of Sir Joseph Bankes, to whom he was 
known. Buonaparte wishing to be considered the 
friend and patron of literary men, and this gentleman 
being known to have collected materials for a very 
considerable work upon India, which has since been 
published, he was glad to take the opportunity of evincing 
his respect for science by granting to Sir Joseph Bankes, 
and in favour of a man of letters, what he would have 
yielded to no other application. 

*' Mr. Forbes was a worthy pious man, who took 



Chap. Vll. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 203 

much delight in reheving the sufferings of his poor 
countrymen, who were in captivity with him. Upon 
his hberation, we formed the most sanguine hopes that 
our own would speedily follow. He shewed great kind- 
ness in charging himself with letters and presents for 
our dear friends in England : and promised to deliver 
them in person ; a promise which he most punctually per- 
formed. It was indeed a great source of comfort to both 
of us, that this opportunity of corresponding was granted. 
Under any other circumstances, I should be guilty of 
unpardonable vanity, in transcribing the observations 
contained in the memoranda of this day; but, you 
my beloved children will read them, as coming warm 
from the heart of your angelic mother ; dictated by 
that ardent affection, which was, if possible, increasing 
in both of us, during the whole of our union." " A con- 
siderable period," he adds, "elapses from this time, in 
which I can find no journal. It may have been lost, 
as in many other instances ; or probably was not writ- 
ten, from the state of suspense in which we were 
constantly kept on both sides respecting an exchange. 
Alternate hopes and fears were excited by the rumours 
of the day. I had carried on a correspondence upon 
the subject, with the Miniater of Marine, M. Decres, 
who expressed in his letter a wish for the establishment 
of a cartel, which seemed to be retarded, more from 
punctilio than from any real obstacle. Buonaparte 
himself appeared by this time to have considered the 
measure of making hostages of the travellers, in a much 
less advantageous light than it had presented itself to 
his mind at first. 



204 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

" Under these impressions I indulged the hope that 
were any considerable effort made in England, by 
persons in power, it might be attended with success. 
I therefore urged my beloved Isabella to write to the first 
Lord of the Admiralty in her own name, and her own 
words, and to urge a further official application. This 
she did, doubtful, and as it appears almost despairing of 
success, but anxious to leave nothing undone, which it 
was in her power to do, particularly when it had been 
suggested by me. But in this, as in every other act of 
her exemplary life, she recommended her cause to the 
power and protection of the Almighty, and with the 
most delightful resignation, placed all her hopes in him. 
The application was unavailing. Buonaparte tenaciously 
insisted upon the Hanoverians, and detenus being first 
exchanged, against the French prisoners taken in the 
beginning of the war. This sacrifice we could not 
expect our country to make, and the preservation of its 
dignity, even reconciled us to a further captivity. We 
felt, and appreciated the motive.^^ 

Referring to the memoranda of October the 29th, 
1804, Captain Brenton writes, "The apprehensions of 
our kind friends made them too solicitous respecting the 
consequences, to allow them to excite any sanguine 
hopes on either side. They rather seemed to recom- 
mend resignation, and acquiescence in what seemed to 
be unavoidable ; and my hopes by this time had entirely 
vanished. From the tenor of my last letter from the 
Minister of Marine, I had been convinced that all pro- 
spect of an exchange of prisoners, had now become 
more remote than ever; and I immediately turned my 



Chap. TIL SIR JAHLEEL BEEXTOX. 205 

thoughts towards making my captivity as hght as pos- 
sible, by associating with it what was dearest to me in the 
world. I determined to call for my beloved wife and child, 
and to take advantage of those blessings, which a most 
boimtifLil Providence had bestowed upon me ; to enjoy 
them with gratitude ; to resign myself to the Divine will ; 
and to remain in peaceful expectation of the hour, when 
God might be pleased to liberate me. This plan had often 
suggested itself to me, but I deferred acting upon it, 
until I should be justified by having made every effort 
to prociu'e my liberty. Having failed in these, M. 
Decres, the ^Minister, had the kindness to forward my 
wishes to the utmost of his power, by sending me not 
only a passport for my family, but letters of recommenda- 
tion for my beloved wife to wait her arrival at Rotterdam. 
Ha™g once allowed such a prospect of happiness to pre- 
sent itself to my mind, I no longer gave captivity a mo- 
ment's consideration : but counted the days to the return 
of spring, when I might recommend my darhng Isabella 
to begin her joiu'ney. I had travelled sufficiently as a 
prisoner to know that there was neither risk nor difficulty 
in the undertaking ; and I depended upon that benignant 
and merciful Power, who had so often supported us, to 
continue His gracious mercy and protection to my be- 
loved wife and child. 

That this meeting between the husband and the vdfe 
who came to share his captivity, was happily effected, 
is recorded in the note, affixed to the memoranda of 
New Years Day, 1806. "' We were permitted to meet 
early in this year ; and to pass it, I may almost say, in 
perfect happiness. Such at least it appears, although we 



m 

206 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

had great trials in consequence of the ill health of our dar- 
ling child, as well as from my own indisposition. T was 
attaclced, in the course of the summer with a complaint 
upon the lungs, which to me wore a most threatening 
aspect. 1 however concealed from my dear suffering 
and anxious companion the most serious symptom, 
which was spitting of blood; and I believe she never 
knew it for many years afterwards, nor until I had 
regained perfect health, and till her's, still more valu- 
able to me, was menaced by the same alarming indica- 
tion. I then gladly told my secret, as well to comfort 
my beloved invalide, as to excite my own hopes. Our dear 
boy also was attacked, whilst travelling with us towards 
Tours, with a dropsical complaint, which for some time 
threatened his life. How little did I think that I should 
have lived to weep over them both. In one short month 
they were both taken from me." 

Captain Brenton has left some details of his wife's 
journey, which as being made through an enemy's 
country, under such very peculiar circumstances, are 
not without interest. He says, " The vigour and energy 
of mind displayed by my angelic wife, were the theme 
of praise to all who knew her. Naturally timid 
and fond of retirement, her habits of life were but 
ill adapted to the exertion and resolution, which this 
journey, performed under such formidable circum- 
stances, required. But prompted by her affection 
for mo, and by a sense of duty, she placed herself 
under the care of her Divine Protector, and was im- 
movably fixed in her purpose, incapable of being 
deterred hy any consideration of personal risk or 



Chap. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 207 

suffering. Even in her anxiety for her beloved child, 
she was supported by the same sense of piety, and 
confidence in the blessing of God upon her virtuous 
efforts ; and the blessing of God attended her through 
life in all she did. 

" My brother was at this time commanding the 
Amarantha, and most providentially lying at the 
Nore. He had been alarmingly ill, and was still in a 
state of great weakness ; but he was all activity for 
the comfort and assistance of my beloved Isabella; 
who with her boy, and your dear aunt Mary, had 
embarked in a small Prussian vessel, which was hired 
to take them to Rotterdam. There they were most kindly 
received by the respectable persons to whom letters 
of credit and introduction had been sent, and they 
there also received assurances of my welfare. In your 
dear Aunt Mary your beloved mother had a most 
affectionate and active companion, as her knowledge of 
the French language, and the energy of her mind 
rendered her peculiarly well qualified for such a journey. 
The fears that had been excited in England, at the 
necessity of travelling through hostile armies, vanished 
entirely as the ladies proceeded ; and they found the 
road even better protected in consequence of the vicinity 
of the great French army, and of the number of gens 
d'armes patrolling in every direction to prevent desertion. 
Let this part of your beloved mother^s character, which 
stimulated her to so much exertion, in what she con- 
sidered the cause of affection and duty, be treasured 
up, my darling children, for your imitation. Pay a due 



208 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII, 

regard to the advice of your friends, but at the same 
time bring your own judgment into exercise. Compare 
the probabiKties which may threaten you, with the 
nature of the duty you have to perform. Pray ar- 
dently to God that He would be pleased to direct you 
in your decision ; and then, should the object you have 
in view appear to be sanctioned by duty, let no cir- 
cumstance arising from other considerations shake 
your resolution. " Reflect, ponder, and resolve." Let 
this be your motto, and be inflexible in every good 
purpose. How much happiness should w^e mutually 
have lost, had my beloved companion been deviated 
from her purpose, by an apprehension of danger, which 
she afterwards found did not exist, or had she possessed 
less confidence in her Heavenly Protector. In review- 
ing the difl'erent events of our lives, we shall always 
find cause to regret having allowed the consideration 
of present convenience and comfort to preponderate, 
against what conscience had placed before us, as a 
duty. The same principle of resolution which your 
exemplary mother evinced, in the exercise of her 
affection for me, would on greater occasions lead to 
the most heroic, or the most splendid actions. These 
always, and only originate in right motives, inflexibly 
acted upon, to the utter exclusion of all minor con- 
siderations. But at the same time, you must never 
forget, that the object thus unremittingly pursued, 
sliould be pan-amount to all others, and be sanctioned by 
religious, as well as moral obhgations.'^ 

1 regret that the only memoranda 1 have found of 



Chap. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 209 

this interesting journey, are merely the names of the 
places, with the period of arriving at each. They are 
as follows : — 

" Thursday, April 1 6th, sailed from England for 
Holland. 

18th, arrived at Rotterdam after a passage of fifty- 
two hours. 

20th, left Rotterdam, took a carriage from thence to 
Antwerp, crossed to Williamstadt, slept at Breda. 

21st, arrived at Antwerp. 

22nd, arrived at Brussels. 

23rd, left Brussels for Namur. 

24th, arrived at Namur. 

25th, left Dinant, passed through Givet, and the 
forest of Ardennes, and arived at Mezieres. Friday, 
April 26th, hired another carriage to take us to Sedan, 
or to Verdun, in case of not meeting my beloved 
Brenton; but heaven allowed me to enjoy that su- 
preme happiness, and I thought no more of the fatigues 
of the journey. Grant, most merciful God, that I 
may never cease to feel a proper sense of Thy good- 
ness, however impossible it must be for me to express 
half the gratitude I feel for Thy continued proofs of 
mercy, and favour, to myself and all dear to me. 

Saturday, the 27th, slept at Stenay, and arrived at 
Verdun on Sunday the 28th." 

These memoranda may appear unimportant, and 
irrelevant to the subject of our present biography ; 
but yet they seem to justify Captain Brenton in having 
planned a journey, which, by those less deeply inter- 
ested, might have been condemned as being too full of 

p 



210 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

peril, and involving too much hardship to the object 
of his affection. His wife's example may also serve 
to animate some drooping spirits placed under similar 
circumstances ; and if it be true, as no member of the 
Church of England will deny, that matrimony was 
ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, 
that the one ought to have of the other, both in pros- 
perity and adversity ; we cannot but feel that the 
purposes of this merciful ordinance were singularly 
realised in the case before us. His own grateful reflec- 
tions on the subject, are thus further expressed. " Our 
meeting was indeed one of pure, and unmixed felicity. 
My beloved wife forgot in a moment all her fatigue, and 
anxieties; and the recollection of captivity itself was 
instantly banished from my thoughts, or if I remem- 
bered ii at all, it was as a blessing which brought me 
the happiness I enjoyed. I had been long impatiently 
expecting this joyful event, and the evening before 
had received a letter from my beloved wife, informing 
me of her arrival at Rotterdam. I was then living 
in the little village of Clermont, a few miles distant 
from Verdun. On this notice reaching me, I requested 
permission of the General to go as far as Sedan, to 
meet my family, which was kindly granted. On my 
road I was most anxiously examining every carriage 
as it approached. At sunset I had got within three 
miles of Sedan, and had begun to give up all hopes 
of seeing the object of my wishes ; when I espied a 
travelling carriage, I felt a presentiment that it con- 
tained all I held most dear in the world, and was soon 
convinced of it. 



Chap. VII. SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 211 

"We only stopped one clay at Verdun, and then 
remoYed to Clermont, where we passed some days in 
perfect happiness. The distance however from Cler- 
mont to Verdmi was too great for convenience, as the 
village afforded but few requisites for a family, and I 
was also frequently called upon in behalf of the prison- 
ers. T therefore procured a lodging at Charni, a little 
village on the Meuse, about two miles from Verdun, in 
a most commodious house, with a very respectable 
family." Of the events of the following year, which 
was passed in captivity, we can only find any account 
by referring to the memoranda and notes, out of which 
the following extracts have been taken. 

In reference to Charni, Captain Brenton says, " Our 
retreat here was a most delightful one, in a spacious 
mansion belonging to Monsieur de Beaumont, who was 
of an ancient and noble family. We had an excellent 
suite of apartments, and the use of an extensive gar- 
den. The season of the year was particularly delight- 
ful; and every thing for some time conspired to make 
us enjoy as much felicity as human nature is capable of 
doing. If I had not entirely forgotten that I was a 
prisoner, I ceased to feel the pressure of captivity, and 
was resigned to my lot. An anxious thought of being 
deprived of the active exercise of my profession would 
now and then intrude, but it was soon dispelled in the 
recollection of the happiness I enjoyed. This however 
received some interruption a short time afterwards, 
from my health being seriously attacked. I had caught 
a cold, which in the month of June brought on spitting 
of blood. I hope the precaution I took of concealing 



i 



2] 2 MEMOIR OF Chap. VII. 

this alarming symptom from my beloved companion, 
rendered her apprehensions less dreadful to her; but I 
allowed my own mind to be extremely depressed. I 
considered a rapid decline to be the inevitable conse- 
quence ; and the thoughts of my dear and helpless 
family, left unprovided for, and unprotected, in a fo- 
reign land, and in an enemy's country, preyed upon my 
spirits with a force that I cannot describe. It is 
unknown to all but myself, how many hours of dreadful 
anxiety I suffered on this account, and indeed on my 
own; for these very feelings prove that I was not 
prepared for death ; that I was but a nominal chris- 
tian. So blind, and worldly minded I was, that I derived 
no comfort from the assurances given in every part 
of scripture, of the mercy and goodness of God. I 
could not then comfort myself by resigning all I held 
dear into the hands of that Bountiful Creator, who 
gave them to me. I felt as though their happiness 
depended upon my sole exertions ; and that without 
me they must be destitute. It is this way of thinking, 
this practical want of faith, disguise it as we may, 
which is the cause of all our anxiety, and even of all 
the misery we meet with. It could not exist, were we as 
sensible, as we persuade ourselves we are, of the Omni- 
potence, and the Omnipresence, and the merciful good- 
ness of God. Often have I tried to reason myself into this 
firm trust and confidence in the Divine mercy, but the 
sick bed, the dear disconsolate widow, and the unprotected 
infant were objects, which with all my efforts, I could 
not look beyond; and yet, I should have thought the 
greatest injustice had been done me, if any one at the 



Chaf. YII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 213 

time had called in question the sincerity of my reHgious 
profession. I felt as though I were living in a general, 
if not a constant practice of its duties. How little do 
we know ourselves, till the day of trial comes. T could 
read treatises upon patience and resignation with the 
most cordial concurrence in every argument ; and even 
wonder that they were not universally efficacious ; but 
when called upon to practice what they prescribed, T 
found I was indeed living without God in the world. 
I did not dare to impart these wretched feelings to 
my beloved and inestimable wife, in the apprehension 
of affecting her, and thus I lost the balm of her affec- 
tionate counsels. 

" The attack which I experienced, would, I am now 
convinced, have been of little importance, but for the 
effect I allowed it to have upon my mind. This aggra- 
vated its force, and it soon assumed so serious an ap- 
pearance as threatened to realize all my apprehensions. 
What a lesson is this for you, my dear children, to 
teach you the folly as well as the wickedness of worldly 
anxiety. How often do the evils we dread never reach 
us ; whilst the blow which humbles us comes from a 
quarter where we least expected it. Even the events, 
which seem to menace us with some serious calamity, 
frequently become instruments of good to us. Nearly 
thirteen years have now elapsed since this period; and 
instead of the evil I foreboded, my health has probably 
been strengthened and preserved, by the care and pre- 
caution which that illness rendered necessary. It was 
the cause of my removing from Verdun to the interior 
of France, to the most delightful climate, where I soon 



214 



MEMOIR OF 



Chap. VII. 



nearly recovered. All my apprehensions were ground- 
less. I was mercifully preserved to those so justly dear 
to me, and preserved by a gracious Providence to be 
the humble instrument of their future welfare. 

"It was impossible to enjoy greater advantages than 
we possessed, in the retired village of Charni, during the 
summer months ; and I avoided the bustle and constant 
interruption, which I met with at Verdun from various 
quarters. We had some excellent and valuable friends, 
in whose society we found much gratification; their 
habits were similar to our own; with them we lived on 
terms of the kindest intimacy, and avoided, by having 
this residence, the necessity of keeping up an intercourse 
with others who found enjoyment only in society of a 
very different description. As the autumn however 
approached, we thought it necessary to remove into 
Verdun, as Charni was too low for a winter residence. 
We continued to live in retirement, as my health was 
too weak to admit of my entering into evening parties, 
and it was with great difficulty that I could prevail 
upon my beloved and excellent companion to leave me 
only for a few hours. Even the change from Charni to 
Verdun was beneficial to me. The progress I made 
towards recovery was very apparent, and my mind 
being consequently reheved, I was in a great measure 
restored to happiness. The mercy and goodness of 
God has visited me through life, in a very remarkable 
manner ; and this ought to excite the warmest gratitude, 
and the most entire resignation to all He should in 
future require of mc. 

"One other circumstance at this period occurred most 



Chap.vii. sir jaiileel brenton. 215 

providentially, which relieved me from much anxiety. 
My pecuniary circumstances had always been far 
from affluent. The loss of my ship just fitted out ; 
the necessity of keeping two houses ; and the other 
unavoidable expences of my situation, had exhausted 
the little which I had made in the late war. At 
this time I received two sums most opportunely, name- 
ly £468, prize money from Genoa, of which I had 
given up all hopes; and nearly £400 as a remuneration 
from the Admiralty for the charge I had taken of the 
prisoners. This materially increased our comforts ; but 
the circumstance derived its chief value in the estima- 
tion of my angelic wife, from the effect it produced in 
tranquillizing my mind. To please and obey her God : 
to share in, or contribute to the happiness of those dear 
to her, was the great and invariable object of her life. 
She thus gave additional charms to prosperity itself, 
by the delight she took in the joy of all around her : 
but how often have I felt her sweet influence of still 
greater value in cheering me under the pressure of 
adversity. 

" In order to re-establish my health entirely, I was 
anxious to remove into a milder climate ; I was also 
very desirous of procuring a residence for my family, 
at a distance from the general depot, where much of 
the society was very exceptionable, and where we were 
constantly unsettled, by the multitude of reports daily 
in circulation, suggested without any foundation by the 
hopes and fears of our fellow prisoners, or from mere 
idleness. With this view I sohcited permission to pass 
the Avinter at Tours. The Minister of Marine, M. 



216 MEMOIR OE Chap.VII. 

Decres again stood my friend, and after some delay, 
in consequence of Buonaparte being at Berlin, lie at 
length succeeded, and informed me in the kindest 
manner of my request being granted. We made our 
preparations with almost as much pleasure, as though 
it had been for a journey to England. I employed 
myself during the remainder of our stay at Verdun, 
in concluding all my affairs relative to the prisoners 
at that depot. The French government had recently 
forbidden any further supplies being given to the 
British prisoners, by their own country ; declaring that 
each nation should support its own prisoners. The 
fact was, that whilst the Englishmen were so liberally 
provided for by their own government, there was no 
hope of inducing them to desert ; and all intrigues 
carried on by the French to seduce them from their 
allegiance proved fruitless. In consequence of this new 
arrangement, my presence was no longer necessary at 
Verdun. I settled all my affairs relative to the prisoners, 
and this was rendered less complicated by an order re- 
cently issued by the French Government, that all sup- 
plies sent from England to her people should cease, and 
each nation support their own prisoners. I had nothing 
therefore now to do, but to close my accounts previous 
to my departure. The situation of the prisoners of 
inferior rank, became in consequence wretched in the 
cxtrcino. They were now deprived of the comforts 
to which they had been accustomed ; they neither saw 
nor heard of their officers ; they knew nothing of the 
continued solicitude of their truly paternal government, 
and of the efforts it had made in their behalf All 



Chap. VIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 217 

hopes of exchange had died away, and complete des- 
pair seemed to have taken possession of the sufferers. 
Numbers attempted to make their escape, and some 
few succeeded ; but many were intercepted and cruelly 
treated ; whilst additional measures of severity were 
adopted to prevent further attempts at desertion. All 
who were taken at this time, were sent off, as close 
prisoners to the fortress of Bitche, and confined in 
the dark and gloomy souterrain. It was at this time 
that Mr. Wolfe, finding that the principal objects of 
his solicitude, the children, were all removed to the 
distant depots, and that none would be permitted to 
reside at Verdun, came forward in a manner most 
creditable to himself, as a volunteer to reside at Givet, 
a depot in which there were twelve hundred prisoners, 
but no officers. He was aware that he must deprive 
his family of all the advantages they possessed of com- 
fort and society at Verdun, and subject them to many 
privations ; but this excellent man did not hesitate, 
whatever sufferings or inconveniences might await him, 
to put in execution a resolution which was made in 
the hope of being instrumental to the temporal and 
eternal welfare of his suffering countrymen." 



218 IMEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE REV. MR. WOLFE, ONE OF THE DETENUS— HEARS OF THE STATE OF THE 
PRISONERS AT GIVET, AND RESOLVES ON GOING TO RESIDE AMONG THEM — 
EXTRACTS FROM HIS WORK ENTITLED THE '• BRITISH PRISONERS IN FRANCE." 



The name of Mr. Wolfe having been thus introduced, I 
feel it due to the memory of that faithful and devoted 
man, to leave for a moment the subject of the present 
memoir, in order to turn to the labours in which he was 
associated, and to a work which he voluntarily under- 
took, in conjunction with his friend, Captain Brenton. 
Mr. Wolfe, as has been stated, was arrested at Fontain- 
bleau, where he was making a short stay in a tour 
subsequent to his marriage : and from thence was 
consigned with the other detenus to the depot at 
Verdun. His situation there admitted many allevia- 
tions in the captivity to which he was doomed. He 
found several valuable and agreeable men, the associates 
of his confinement. He had, as we have seen, oppor- 
tunities for exercising his ministry ; and he must have 
felt, til at though the situation was not one which he 
would liavc chosen, it was still one in which he perhaps 



Chap.yiii. sir jahleel brenton. 219 

had less to regret, than the greater part of those 
around him. But while he was thus residing at 
Verdun, the reports which he continually received of 
the state of the British seamen who were confined at 
Givet, awoke such feehngs of pity in Mr. Wolfe's mind, 
that he determined in a spirit of self-devotion, as rare 
as it is admirable, to move with his family to Givet, 
to take up his residence among them, and to try to 
forward the means of their improvement by personal 
exertions. This sacrifice can hardly be appreciated 
as it ought to be, by those who are ignorant of the 
condition to which the men were reduced, through their 
own vices, and the oppression to which they were at the 
time subjected. Mr. Wolfe's friends remonstrated with 
him seriously on the danger to which he was exposing 
himself, and the partner of his exile, by taking up his 
permanent abode among men, whom despair and suffer- 
ing had rendered almost ferocious ; and whose sole 
relief seemed to be, making others more wretched than 
themselves. But he had seen the need to which they 
were reduced. He had counted the cost, and he de- 
cided on a step, which if it involved great personal 
privation, and some personal danger, was followed by 
such an amount of blessing as few have been permitted 
to witness. 

On first removing to Givet, he found his countrymen 
sunk in every kind of abomination, half starved by 
the dishonesty of the French Commissaries, destitute 
of every comfort, and in a state of mind which aggra- 
vated all their external sufferings. The cruel, and 
unfeeling policy of the French government at the 



220 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

time, led them to make tlie condition of the prisoners 
as wretched as possible, that they might be the more 
easily tempted, by the agents employed to seduce 
them from their allegiance ; and the evils of captivity 
were studiously aggravated by the want of necessary 
food and covering, that the seamen might be induced 
to enlist in the French service. This species of treat- 
ment falling on minds ill prepared to resist it, had 
led to a degree of frightful demoralization. Some 
few were drawn away by the offers made to them, 
and justified their desertion by the cold and hunger 
they had suffered. The rest seeing no prospect of 
release, without employment, and without resource, 
sought for momentary forgetfulness in intoxication, 
when liquor could be procured; and then sunk into 
despondency, and sullen discontent. A more fearful 
exhibition of human nature it is hardly possible to 
conceive ; and yet into this scene Mr. Wolfe resolved to 
throw himself; and among men, such as these, he 
asked, and with some difficulty obtained permission to 
reside. The result of this noble enterprise of Chris- 
tian benevolence, of this work and labour of love, 
should only be given in his own words, and having 
asked, and obtained the kind permission of her who 
was his partner in this act of self-devotion, to make 
this use of his publication, I do not hesitate at bor- 
rowing from the work which Mr. Wolfe published in 
1830, entitled the "British Prisoners in France," the 
narrative of the experiment he made, and which from 
that moment connected him, while life lasted, in af- 
fectionate regard with the subject of the present 
meiHuir. 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 221 

"On my arrival at Givet/' writes Mr. Wolfe, "I soon 
discovered that T had undertaken a task of much more 
difficulty and danger, than I had at all been willing to 
beHeve. I found the depot in the most deplorable state. 
Both in a moral and physical point of view, it would 
be difficult to conceive anything more degraded and 
miserable. And as regards religion, every appearance 
of it was confined to some twenty methodists, who 
were the objects of the most painful persecution, and 
often the innocent cause of the most dreadful blas- 
phemies. For, not content with abusing, and some- 
times ill-treating them, the drunken and vicious, more 
effectually to distress and grieve them, would blaspheme 
that sacred name by which we are called, and utter 
their contempt in the most extravagant, and offensive 
mockery. The bodily privations of the prisoners, and 
their want of the comforts, and common necessaries 
of life was equally distressing. The barracks were 
situated in a narrow pass, between the perpendicular 
rock of the fortress of Charlemont on the one side, 
and the river Mouse on the other ; and all the space 
the men had for exercise, was between the building 
itself and the river, along the side of which was a wall. 
This slip of ground, not more than ten paces in width, 
and exposed to the southern sun, was in the heat of 
summer a complete oven. Yet here they were obliged 
to walk, except they should stay in a hot room, with 
sixteen persons crowded into it all the day. In the 
hospital, the sick were mixed with those of the 
prisoners of other nations, and were in a shocking 
state of neglect, and covered with vermin. Not a 



222 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

single prisoner was allowed to go out into the town ; 
and even the interpreter was accompanied by a gens 
d'armes. It was almost impossible for any of them to 
get any thing from their friends, for there was no one 
to receive it for them ; and the little that did come, 
was subjected to a deduction of five per cent by the 
marechal des logis. And so great was their distress at 
that moment, that unable to satisfy the cravings of 
hunger, they were seen to pick up the potato peelings 
that were thrown out into the court, and devour them. 

"It appears to be the natural tendency of misery 
and want, to foster vice, and encourage the worst feel- 
ings of the human heart ; and that effect, in its fullest 
sense, was produced on this occasion. The little money 
that was received by the prisoners, instead of being 
applied to the relief of their wants, and to make them 
more comfortable in food and clothing, was spent in 
riot and excess. On these occasions, sailors are, of all 
other men, most ready to communicate, and never 
think of to-morrow. And, left, as they were, entirely 
to themselves, no one caring for their souls, no one 
having the desire, or the power to restrain them, eiflier 
by force or by persuasion, in the midst of the real 
distress which they experienced, the depot of Givet 
was, perhaps, at that moment, the most reprobate spot 
that can be imagined. 

"In addition to these discouragements, connected with 
the field of labour which I had undertaken ; I now 
found, that there were difficulties in my own situation, 
wliich would probably involve me in personal danger, 



I 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 223 

of a very serious nature ; or at least, cause me to be 
sent away to the dungeons of Bitche. 

" The Commandant, and those that were under his 
orders, from the time I arrived at the depot, viewed 
me with a very evil eye. They had all a share in the 
spoil of the poor prisoners ; and my interference on 
their behalf, and the opportunities which I had of 
detecting their extortions, enraged them exceedingly 
against me. Whenever I made an attempt, as I 
frequently did, to put a stop to the exactions upon the 
money which was sent in to the men ; or when any 
complaint was made of the meat, or the bread, these 
officers were loud in their threats of denunciations, 
and of sending me off to Bitche. And for the first two 
years of my stay in that place, I never went to bed, 
without the impression upon my mind, that, ere the 
morning, I might probably be thus suddenly marched 
off. 

" Before I left Verdun, I had been cautioned not to 
pay any money to the prisoners, which might be re- 
mitted to me, either from their friends in England, or 
from the charitable fund at Verdun, without express 
permission from the Commandant, a caution which 
proved most salutary. For, even though I obtained 
this permission, the marechal des logis came to me 
the next morning, in a great rage, reproached me with 
taking away his honest gains, and required me in 
future to send in the money through him. I com- 
plained to the Commandant, who inveighed against 



224 ^lEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

the avarice of this man ; but I found that he was 
either unwilUng, or afraid to redress this shameful 
abuse. And, although I subsequently made many 
attempts to pay the men their money without this 
abominable drawback, it was always without effect, 
and at the risk of being denounced, and sent away 
from the depot. 

" The exertions which were made, during the long- 
continued detention of the English prisoners in France, 
for the relief of such among them as were in want, 
are known to every one. The sums so raised were 
contributed by benevolent individuals in London ; to 
whom the collections made throughout the country, 
for the same charitable purpose, were also forwarded ; 
and by them committed to the care of some of the 
most respectable persons in the depot of Verdun, who 
had formed themselves into a committee for that effect. 
These gentlemen, who were themselves liberal con- 
tributors, dispensed to the necessitous, and sent to the 
different depots such relief, as the exigencies of each 
required. And sometimes, in the hope of more effectu- 
ally relieving the sufferings of those confined in distant 
places, individuals from this chief depot, went to visit 
them, and even took up their temporary or permanent 
abode among them. 

" At the time these charitable contributions were re- 
ceived at Givet, and the payment to each prisoner was 
small, though the whole amount was considerable, I 
went to the commandant, and represented to him the 
charitable object of the money that was to be dis- 
tributed ; and said, I hoped he would not allow any 



Chap. yin. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 225 

deduction to be made from trifling sums, arising from 
such a source. He said, it would be altogether shame- 
ful, wilhnglj gave me the permission to pay it, and 
granted my further request, that a certain number of 
the prisoners should be permitted to come into the 
town once a week, to lay out the money more advan- 
tageously, in necessaries for themselves and their fellow 
prisoners. This was very joyful to the poor men ; but, 
unfortunately, they could not contain their triumph, 
and boasted, in not very measured terms, that they 
had at length overcome the marechal des logis. This 
was sufi&cient ; the Commandant took this excuse for 
withdrawing the permission ; and, before the next 
weekly pay-day arrived, 1 received a message from 
him, that he had a particular reason for desiring that I 
would not again pay the money myself T said, that 
in that case, I would not pay it at all. And for a 
considerable time I resisted. But surrounded as I was 
with spies, I could not explain what I was doing to 
the men. And even if I had, the Commandant knew 
well, they were too impatient to receive their money, 
not to submit to the sacrifice, even of the half, if it were 
required, rather than wait. 

" He, also, had his hired friends, not only among the 
gens d'armes, but among the men themselves, who 
insinuated to them that it was all my fault that it was 
not paid.''^" They sent in a specific message to the 

* "I think it was on this occasion, that, one morning, as I was going in, 
as usual, to early prayers, one of the men who had liberty to come into 
the town, came to me, and advised me not to go into the prison ; for the 
men were ready to make an attempt upon my life, except I would 

Q 



226 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

Commandant, that they were wilUng to pay the deduc- 
tion as usual ; and after resisting for, I think, two 
pay-days, I at length felt that it was wrong any longer 
to deprive the poor men of a charitable relief so neces- 
sary for them, and again submitted to this iniquitous 
tax. 

" The great difficulty of my situation arose from hence. 
I knew that if I were found, directly or indirectly, 
opposing, or interfering with the business of the depot, 
otherwise than with the consent of the Commandant, 
and as I was able to work upon his moral feeling, or 
regard to his character, I should be immediately sent 
away. T was permitted to go there only as chaplain ; 
and it was evident, from every one else, who could 
have done anything for the prisoners, having been sent 
away, that I should not be allowed to stay in any other 
capacity. Traps were constantly laid for me,'"' and 

promise to send In the money, wliich he knew I would not do. T, 'how- 
ever, went in. The men crowded in a very tumultuous manner, in my 
way. There was a great buzz and murmur, but no one spoke ; and I 
passed through them, and found my people as devout, and totally un- 
affected, with the storm that was going forward around them, as if 
they had been in another atmosphere. As I returned through the 
passage, still crowded with the perturbators, a man came up to me, and 
I then made up my mind, that the scene was going to begin. He was, 
however, only come, as was usual every time I went in, to ask me to do 
sometlilng for him ; and I then passed through the crowd more dense 
and tumultuous than before, without however being accosted by any 
one. This sort of ebullition, fomented by the Commandant and his 
people, while I durst not explain myself even to those in whom I had the 
greatest confidence, occurred two or three times, during my residence 
at Givet." 

* " One evening, when some French persons in the town, were sitting 
with me, some one desired to speak with me. I went out to him in the 



Chap. YIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 227 

I knew, by examples before my eyes, that if they could 
find any such interfering to allege against me, they 
would say to me, as they always did, that the thing 
I complained of was a shameful abuse. But they 
would have denounced me, as one of the Commandants 
afterwards did, as having done something, which they 
knew the minister of war, without any inquiry would 
punish by sending me away from the depot. And as 
they would be very angry, and their accusation be 
of a kind which he would consider serious, an order 
would come down, be put in execution, perhaps in the 
middle of the night ; and without any explanation, 
or, probably, any one knowing it, till the following 
morning, I should have been marched from brigade to 
brigade, to the fortress of Bitche, subject to join com- 
pany with deserters and criminals, and tied, it might 



ante-room, and lie began to state to me, in a voice which must be audible 
in the room were they were sitting, the ingratitude of the French 
government towards him, and to request me to communicate to the 
British Admiralty, a plan which he had discovered, of destroying a 
whole fleet of ships of war. I simply told him, that I was there as a 
minister of religion, and could not enter into anything of a military, or 
political nature. 

"At another time, the Count de L, a Flemish nobleman, introduced 
himself to me, in what way, it does not now occur to me. I had not 
the least suspicion of him ; and even when my French friends cautioned 
me I thouo-ht they were only angry with him, because he spoke so much 
ao-ainst that people and government. Even this circumstance gave me 
no distrust, because it was common with the Flemings. However, he 
was so ultra in his remarks, saying that they had scarcely a human 
countenance, and things equally absurd, that I inclined to the opposite side 
of the question, and never said anything that could be laid hold of, not 
from suspicion, but from a cautiousness, which had become habitual." 



228 MEMOIE OF Chap. VIII. 

be, hand to hand with them. "' This might have been 
risked ; but in what state would the poor fellows have 
been leff? They would have been reduced to the 
same miserable condition in which I found them, with 
the additional oppression which would arise from the 
angry feeling left upon the minds of the officers who 
had charge of them. And thus, sound policy, and a 
conscientious regard to the object for which 1 was 
permitted to be at the depot, the religious instruction 
and consolation of the prisoners, perfectly coincided. 
Under any circumstances, I could not have thought a 
disingenuous conduct right, and must have given up 
any advantage, or even usefulness, rather than resort 
to it. But 1 found that a plain and straightforward 
course enabled me to be more serviceable to the pri- 
soners. And though, sometimes, T could not help 
making strong representations to the Commandant, I 
never worked indirectly, or endeavoured to set the 
men's minds against him. My general resource was 
persuasion, and a direct appeal to his conscience, and 
his amour propre, which was particularly his weak side. 
And with the aid of a very kind and influential French 
officer in the Engineers, who was always ready to 
assist me, and favour the prisoners, I was enabled to 

* " Dr. Lawmont, the surgeon of the ship commanded by the unfor- 
tunate Captain Wright, and who afterwards practised as Physician at 
Glasgow, obtained permission, about two years after my removal to 
Givet, to go and reside at that depot, in the exercise of his profession. 
He was making the journey on foot, when a party of gens d'armes, who 
were conducting some felons, overtook him ; and in spite of his passport, 
which he [)roduccd, he was strung to them by the hand, and marched to 
the next brigade. What then would such persons do, under a con- 
denuiatory order from the Minister of War." 



I 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 229 

accomplish more, by this open conduct, than I could 
have done by means of a more indirect and inimical 
nature. But it will readily be conceived, that circum- 
stanced as I was, this would often subject me to mis- 
representation, and render extreme circumspection 
necessary. 

" In the impossibility of knowing who were in the 
interest of the Commandant, even among the men 
themselves, I had but one resource, I suspected nobody, 
and I trusted nobody. I never explained my views 
or intentions to any one, and said nothing that required 
the least secrecy. At one time, therefore, the men, 
when they could not have what they wished, suspected 
all was not right ; at another when they complained 
of tyranny and knavery, the agents and subalterns 
of the Commandant declared, that I was at the bottom 
of it, and they would soon have me at the dungeons 
of Bitche ; and, at a third, the Commandant himself 
would be influenced by his people, and suspect me of 
underhand dealing."" 

* Mr. Lee and Mr. Maude visited me at Givet, and went into tlie 
hospital with me. I stayed behind to speak to the men, when one of 
them took the opportunity to go out to them, and say, that he had not 
received his share of some money which I had obtained for them from 
Captain Brenton, and which from dishonesty on the part of a person he 
employed, had not been paid to them. At that moment I came up, and 
to the great surprise, I suppose, of the man, confirmed all that he had 
said. I informed them that when the money had been paid, this man 
was not in the depot, and did not get his share ; and if they would get it 
for him, I should be very thankful ; but having engaged the Captain to 
pay the money a second time, out of his own pocket, I had not the heart 
to apply to him a third. This they declined, and each of us gave the 
man something." 



230 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

"In the end, however, what was clone spoke for itself. 
The men saw that every means in the power of pri- 
soners, hke themselves, were used to prevent them from 
being oppressed. The Commandant felt that my being 
there was a great check upon the rapacity and avarice 
of his people ; and they, and often he himself, were 
excessively enraged. But the moral and religious feel- 
ing which was manifested among the men, rendered 
them so much more peaceful and sober, more satisfied, 
and even cheerful in their conduct, and so much more 
faithful to their word and engagements, that I really 
think he felt it a sort of personal security to himself, 
and upon the whole, an advantage. 

" Thus exposed to many difiiculties and personal dan- 
ders, as to the temporal wants of the poor men ; in 
their spiritual concerns, and those immediately con- 
nected with them, I had abundant cause of thankful- 
ness. On my first application for a place of worship, 
the Commandant expressed his readiness to do every 
thing in his power. But he had no place at his 
disposal larger than the ordinary sized room, which 
would not hold more than two hundred persons. This 
I obtained for the moment. But the Colonel-director 
of engineers was then with the army in Germany ; and 
the grenier, the only place sufiiciently large for the 
purpose, could only be obtained by a direct application 
to liim. For the present, therefore, a room perhaps 
a little larger than the others, where was an oven for 
tho purpose of baking bread for the barracks, was 
converted into a chapel. A small plain desk was made 
by one of the men, which served also for a pulpit ; and 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 231 

the clerk made use of a common table and stool. 
What was wanting however in accommodation, was 
abundantly made up by the spirit which soon was 
manifested among the prisoners ; and the Lord wrought 
powerfully among them. The place was crowded to 
excess, and the oven, which reached so near the top of 
the room, that the men could not sit upright upon it, 
was always covered with them, lying in a most painful 
position from want of room. 

"The Schools were also immediately established ; and 
though the funds for all these objects were, at that 
early period of our captivity, but scantily, and with 
great difficulty obtained, we were yet able to carry on 
a system of education, which, for extent, usefulness, 
and the rapid progress made by those that were in- 
structed, has perhaps seldom been equalled. It is 
indeed wonderful, at how small an expence, a number 
of persons, generally amounting to between four and 
five hundred, were taught to read, write, go through 
the highest rules in arithmetic, na\dgation in all its 
most difficult branches, construct charts and maps, 
and work at the practical part of their profession, as 
far as it can be learned from the form of a vessel, 
which had been admirably rigged for that purpose. 
Yet the small sums given to those among them, who 
were capable of instructing their fellow prisoners, as 
masters or assistants, were very useful. 

" The immediate results arising from this employ- 
ment of their time, were beneficial, in a degree, at least 
equal to the professional advantages, which they might 
hope to experience in their future prospects. While 



232 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

they were thus receiving instruction and edification, 
their thoughts were diverted from dweUing upon those 
misfortunes, which had the most pernicious effect and 
influence upon their minds, not only in a moral and 
rehgious point of view, but, often as it regarded their 
health and spirits. And thus the fear of God, and 
the influence of moral duty and instruction, even in 
those who were not decidedly religious, reciprocally 
acted upon their minds ; preserved them from that 
mental debasement, and those habits of depravity and 
vice, which are ever contracted and induced by ignor- 
ance and want of employment. 

" And in the midst of these useful occupations, the 
Lord opened the hearts of many, to receive that 
heavenly wisdom, the merchandize of which is better 
than silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold ; with- 
out which, all our attainments are nothing worth, and 
with which all the things we can desire, are not to be 
compared. The number of boys was comparatively 
small ; the greater number were men grown ; and 
some of those that were advanced in years, were 
anxious not to lose this opportunity of learning to read, 
at least, their bibles ; to be able to study for themselves 
those oracles of eternal truth, which are ' able to make 
men wise unto salvation, through faith that is in Christ 
Jesus.' 

" The hospital was another object of my immediate 
attention. It is remarkable that this abode of sickness 
and misery, was also the most abandoned portion of the 
dep6t. In this respect, the remark which I have 
before made is completely borne out. And here, 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 233 

where it miglit have been hoped that the afflicting 
hand of God, and the constant view of death, would 
have brought the most wicked to tremble at the 
thought of judgment, hardened impenitence kept pace 
with outward misery. And even after their wants 
were supplied, and every comfort was promised for 
them, which affliction is susceptible of, the hospital 
continued to be, with some exceptions, much less under 
the influence of religious improvement, than any other 
part of the depot. 

"My first object was to obtain for my countrymen 
a ward to themselves, separate from the prisoners of 
other nations. One of the prisoners had already been 
employed in the joint capacity of interpreter and nurse. 
He was by birth a Portuguese, but had been many 
years in the English navy, and spoke English nearly 
as well as a native. He was however a person in 
whom I had not the least confidence, was hardened 
in all the callous and profligate practices of the French 
nurses, and was evidently in the pay of the Command- 
ant. For the same reason, however, I knew it would 
be impossible for me to displace him. And, after a 
vain attempt to do so, I endeavoured to make him as 
useful as possible ; and contented myself with employ- 
ing another person, and a third, as they were wanted, 
whom I found best suited to attend the sick, and 
administer to their comforts. 

" It was my anxious wish to find a pious person, who 
was fit for this affair, and was willing to take the 
charge, in which there were so many opportunities 
of usefulness. And at length I succeeded in obtaining 



234 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

the appointment of one, who would at all times be 
ready to speak a word in season, to those who might 
be induced to hear. From this time the poor men 
were as comfortable as in an English hospital. Extreme 
cleanliness succeeded to the state of filth in which I 
had found them ; and as wine, and many other things 
of a cordial, or a nutritious nature, were there abun- 
dant, and very reasonable, they had even greater 
comforts than would have been provided for them at 
home. And the consequence was, that we had a 
smaller proportion of deaths, compared with the num- 
ber of persons present, than is scarcely ever known. 

" A better spirit also began to be manifested among 
the men. The absence of the French nurses, hack- 
nejed. in every vice, and hardened amidst the most 
appalling scenes of sickness, misery, and death, con- 
tributed to prevent, in some measure, the abandoned 
carelessness and unconcern which had been shewn, 
when those who perhaps had less reason to expect it 
than themselves, were called before them, to give an 
account of the things done in the body. At least, they 
whose sufferings God had sanctified, were not inter- 
rupted, as they had been, by the riot and blasphemy of 
the wicked and impenitent. 

" In the mean time, a great sensation was created in 
the prison ; and, as in old time, some mocked, while 
otliers, for the first time, saw before them an invisible 
and eternal world, compared with which all the things 
they could desire were less than nothing and vanity. 
There were many among them already, whose hearts 
the Lord opened, to attend to the things which have 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 235 

been declared by prophets, and apostles, and confirmed 
bj God, manifest in the flesh. Many were enquiring 
into the things which accompany salvation ; and in 
many the word of truth took deep root, and they 
continued seeking the grace of Christ. Nor have I 
the least reason to doubt, that the Lord fulfilled to 
many his gracious promise, 'Seek and ye shall find,' 
and that even now, some have entered into the rest 
that remaineth for the people of God ; and others are 
still so running that they may obtain. 

"The methodist congregation were regular attend- 
ants on the service of the Church, and had their 
meetings night and morning.'" They were very useful 
in the work of God ; and now their numbers increased. 
And soon after my arrival another meeting was formed, 
of those who from time to time were under the influ- 
ence of conviction, arising out of, and more immediately 
connected with the congregation of the Church. As 
my own views, at the period of my arrival at Givet, 
were by no means clear, it will readily be understood, 
that these persons did not see at once all the riches of 
the grace of God. Still their hearts were opened, 
and they ' followed on to know the Lord.' 

" There were, as might be expected, discussions and 
disputes between the two classes, and among each 
other. These I endeavoured to allay, and encourage 
among them a single eye to Christ. The work of God 
proceeded more rapidly than my most sanguine hopes 



* They were not all Wesley ans ; but of that persuasion, jointly with 
those that hold the Calvinistic tenets. 



236 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

could have anticipated. And one or other of the men 
were frequently receiving letters from their fellow- 
prisoners in other depots, saying, that they heard the 
Lord was among them, and expressing a hope that the 
influence might be felt amongst themselves. The 
change was also soon visible in the lives and moral 
conduct of the men ; and was recognized, as I have ob- 
served, by the Commandant and all who had to do with 
them. Formerly they could only be restrained by force, 
and bolts and bars were the only means of keeping 
them safely ; and they constantly broke through them ; 
but now, bolts and bars were unnecessary. The Com- 
mandant was persuaded, and acted entirely upon that 
persuasion, that the only thing that could bind them, 
was the moral obligation of their word ; which, whether 
given or implied, they never broke, in any instance that 
came to my knowledge. 

" !Nor was this confined to them that feared God. 
The moral influence of Christianity spread through the 
whole body, and the most striking instances of faithful- 
ness to their word, and a sense of the obligation of it, 
were given by the prisoners. And it was not oflicers or 
people of education who thus distinguished themselves ; 
but common sailors, and youngsters, who might have 
been expected to view the breach of their parole only 
as a joke. So that it was considered as a national 
feeling, and raised the character of the English in that 
country extremely."'" 

* " General Monlcau, who would willingly have ordered the death of 
half a dozen English in the mere hope of gratifying the Emperor, was 
com[)laining in a large party one evening, of the total impossibility of 



Chap. VIII. SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 237 

" This conduct had also the happiest effect upon the 
comfort of the men. Previous to my arrival they had 
by degrees been all confined to the prison ; those who 
had been permitted to come out, having conducted 
themselves ill, or run away. And at length, not one 
prisoner, without excepting even the interpreter, was 
permitted to come out without a guard, under any 
pretext. 

"I began by getting one out, and then a second, 
and a third person, for my own service, and as in- 
terpreter ; then some others in whom I had most 
confidence. The good behaviour of these men, en- 
couraged the Commandant to give liberty to others. 
The number of those who had permission to reside in 
the town, or to work and walk out of the prison, 
increased daily ; and at length, so complete was his 
confidence in them, that he allowed many of them to 
Avalk out into the country ; and there were often as 
many as two hundred out of the prison at a time. 

" And now, the director of engineers, who had also 
the fortifications under his direction, returned from the 
German campaign. I made immediate application to 
him for what was wanted for the comfort and accom- 
modation of the depot ; and on this occasion, as on all 
others, he willingly listened to our wishes, and did 
more than we asked. 

keeping tlie English midshipmen ; and saying, that he had put them in 
the strongest dungeons in vain. ' Je vous indiquerai, general,' said a 
lady in company distinguished for her talents, ' un moyen sur.' The 
general was all ears. ' Mettez les sur leur parole, les Anglois sont 
esclaves de leur parole d'honneur ' " 



238 JNIEMOIR OF Chap. YIII. 

"There was a part of the court which surrounded the 
barracks, about the size of that which lay between the 
building and the river. This was on the north side 
of the prison, and was comparatively cool, from the 
shade afforded by the building ; when, on the other 
side, the heat from the southern sun, and the reflection 
from the walls, was almost intolerable. But there was 
no palisade, on the side of the road to prevent the 
escape of the prisoners. There was a sufficient 
number of these for the purpose, among the stores 
belonging to the fortification ; and I offered, out of the 
funds sent me by the committee at Verdun, having 
previously consulted them, to defray an expence so 
essential to the health and comfort of the men, which 
was estimated at fifteen pounds. 

" This proposal the director immediately forwarded 
to the Bureau de la guerre, and received an immediate 
permission to grant us this accommodation ; which he 
lost no time in completing. But when I came to pay 
the expence, I was agreeably surprised to find, that he 
had represented to the minister the inconsistency that 
there would be in allowing this expence to be borne by 
individuals ; and he w^ould not hear of my paying a 
farthing. I then applied to him for a large grenier, 
which was the only place sufficiently capacious for the 
purpose of divine worship. This again required some 
expense, and was attended with some difficulties. The 
colonel, however, made none. He gave immediate 
orders to the person who supplied bread for the bar- 
racks, to whom he had given this place as a storehouse, 
to empty it of the stores which he had laid up in it, 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 239 

and give up the key. And now the only fault that we 
had to find, was the reverse of that which we had 
before complained of. The place would have held 
several thousand persons ; and being very low and 
vmceiled, the heat in the summer was excessive, and 
the winter's cold was not less severe. The men, how- 
ever, did not complain ; they were seeking the glory 
that shall be revealed, to which the light afflictions of 
the present, which are but for a moment, are not to be 
compared. 

" We were now enabled to meet together in as large 
numbers as would; and as many as were so inclined, 
had full power of seeking, in the ordinances of God, and 
the hearing of the word, the grace which bringeth sal- 
vation. And they were not backward in availing them- 
selves of the means which were thus oifered to them. 
I was very anxious that they should not come there 
under any feeling of constraint, or for filthy lucre's sake ; 
that they should understand that it would be no advan- 
tage to them, as to the loaves and fishes. Yet the con- 
gregation increased; and there were few intances of 
those that had begun to run well, looking back, or 
returning into the way of carelessness and sin. 

" Some of those who had never been received by 
baptism into the church of Christ, were anxious to 
receive this pledge of their profession. It was an 
affecting sight, to see the jetty natives of the East 
desiring, like the Ethiopian convert of old, to profess 
their faith in a crucified Saviour ; and while they mani- 
fested abeady in their lives the grace that sanctifieth, 
receiving with desire of heart, the outward sign and 



240 MEMOIR OF Chap.VIIL 

pledge of the faith that was in them. But the Lord's 
Supper was a still more joyful proof and evidence of the 
work which He was carrying on amongst these people. 
I shall never forget the first sacrament, which I 
administered in the barracks. The number of com- 
municants was about fourteen, most of them old men. 
The greater part had never before attended at the holy 
table. Some, perhaps, had never been in a place of 
worship in their lives, until my arrival at the depot. 
They could not contain their feelings, and most of them 
were in tears the whole of the time. It was a godly 
sorrow, working repentance unto salvation, not to be 
repented of. 

" But the number of communicants did not long 
continue so small. It increased daily, as a sense of 
religion prevailed, and the seed of grace took root in 
their hearts. The spirit of enquiry was general, and 
hundreds were seeking. The table of the Lord was 
more numerously attended every month; and I was 
enabled there to attend to the instructions of the rubric 
in a way that is scarcely practicable in a large parish 
at home. In cases of baptism the sponsors were per- 
sons of decided piety. 

" The persons who attended the Lord's table, in the 
latter part of my stay at the depot, amounted to above 
two hundred; and it cannot but be supposed, that 
amongst so many, there were some who, to say the 
least of it, must bo considered very weak christians. 
But they were all professing to be serious; and there 
were none among them, as I believed, of that formal 
description so common among the communicants in 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 241 

England, who attend this sacrament because they think 
it decent, or that they are doing some good thing, that 
they may have everlasting life. 

" Still there are, no doubt, those who have flying con- 
victions, even of a very lively description, for a moment ; 
many of whom, when they have heard the word, imme- 
diately receive it with gladness, and when temptation 
or affliction cometh, are as immediately offended, and 
have no part nor lot with them that shall be saved. I 
therefore required them to give in their names before- 
hand, that I might enquire into the consistency of their 
lives, if there were any whom I did not know ; and 
exhort those w4iom I had any doubt of, or refuse them, 
if I thought them altogether unfit. 

" There was but a single instance of one coming, who 
had not given this previous notice. I observed the man 
amongst the rest, and was surprised. I had seen him 
very constant at church, but I had had no direct inti- 
mation of his seriousness, and was in 'doubt of him : I 
therefore went up to him, to ascertain, at least, whether 
he was prepared to receive the sacrament with con- 
sciousness, of the body and blood of Christ. He was 
a man of extreme simplicity of mind and manners ; but 
answered in such a way, as immediately to convince 
me, that he was not only desirous of shewing the 
Lord's death until he come, but instantly serving God 
day and night. And from that time, T know not that 
he was ever absent from any of the appointed means 
of grace, whether on the Lord's day or any other ; and 
in life, as in profession, was a decided and consistent 
Christian. 

R 



242 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

" Such was the state of this Christian community, 
and so changed in a few short months was this numer- 
ous depot, in which there were, sometimes, as many as 
1500 prisoners. Formerly there was not a room, out 
of a number, sometimes exceeding ninety, where a man 
could have gone down on his knees to prayer. The con- 
sequences to him of such an attempt would have been 
profane abuse, or even serious personal violence. Now 
there was not one room, in which there were not pious 
men; and quiet and peace prevailed towards them, 
even on the part of those who did not themselves pro- 
fess the truth. 

" I remember an observation from Mr. Lee, when he 
went with me through the barracks, and into all or most 
of the rooms. ' This,' said he, ' is a most extraordinary 
thing. I have been through a depot of 1500 sailors, 
and not seen one drunken man!' And the influence 
of their example was felt more or less, in a religious 
point of view, throughout all the depots, in all which 
one or other of them had friends, with whom they were 
in habits of correspondence. 

" But it may well be supposed that Satan did not 
view these things with indifference. The tares were 
soon sown among the wheat, and in time they grew up 
together. The first instrument in the hand of the 
enemy, was a defection among the men, by going over 
to the French ; in which, however, those that professed 
religion distinguished themselves in a very honourable 
manner. I had found, that on two or three occasions, 
an Irish officer, who was in the French service, (whose 
name I do not mention, in the hope that he may have 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 243 

repented of a course so disgraceful, and that it may have 
been overlooked by a generous country,) had been in the 
prison ; and by bribery, and by giving them liquor, had 
each time induced some of the men to go with him into 
the French service. To have interfered personally in 
this matter, it may well be supposed, would have been a 
sure way of my being removed from the depot. T, how- 
ever, spoke to the Commandant on the subject of the 
youngsters ; and, appealing to him as a father, requested 
that he would not allow any of them to take a step 
which would be their ruin ; however much they might 
wish it, in order to recover their liberty. And this he 
readily promised, and shewed indeed a desire to do. 

" Some time after this, I was preparing to go into the 
neighbourhood of Sedan, where Colonel D'lvory, who 
commanded the engineers in the English army in Por- 
tugal, was then residing. I was very desirous of visit- 
ing a congregation of French Protestants in that town ; 
and accepted an invitation from the Colonel to stay a 
few days with him. Before I set off T found that the 
Franco Irish officer had again appeared at the depot, 
and prevailed upon two or three of the men to go with 
him. I, therefore, went to the Commandant and said, 
that I waited upon him again, before I set off, to remind 
him of his promise respecting the youngsters. He 
assured me that none of them should go; and said, 
that there was not much to be apprehended, for the 
men took his liquor and laughed at him. 

" My journey was not satisfactory, except as re- 
garded the extreme hospitality and kindness of my 
host, and the pious and almost protestant conversation 



244 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

of Madame D 'Ivory. Her health was exceedingly 
deUcate, and she was unequal to exertion. And she 
spent her time in rehgious exercises and prayer ; while 
slie administered to the wants, and her maid even 
dressed the wounds of the poor around her. I could 
not but exclaim, 'O si sic omnia!' and lament the 
errors of her faith, and the almost ridiculous, if they 
had not been destructive, superstitions of persons about 
her. ''' 

How different was the case where I hoped to find 
religion in its purest simplicity ! At the protestant 
temple I found the scriptures being read to literally 
empty benches ; there was not one person present. 
At length the congregation began to come in, and the 
clergyman arrived. He preached a moral discourse ; 
and seeing I was a stranger, and a minister, he very 
kindly asked me to dinner. I accepted, in hope of 
hearing something better in the evening. But the 
work of God was ended. I waited impatiently for 



* One clay at dinner we were speaking of the final condemnation of 
sinners. The brother of Colonel D 'Ivory who had been in the army, 
and was certainly a clever and intelligent man, said, ' he did not under- 
stand how it could be possible for a priest to go out of the world in a 
state of condemnation.' ' Sir,' said I, ' did I understand you right ? 
suppose he Avere a wicked man ?' ' Mais oui. Monsieur, a tel moment 
que ce soit, il pent se confester !' 

At another time, I was laughing with a very sensible officer, who had 
been in the English army, at ignorant persons, who thought that any 
thing which had touched a certain image in that neighbourhood, was a 
preservative against the bite of a mad dog ; when he took a silver ring 
from his finger, and said, ' how then do you think I have been preserved 
fi-om being bit all these years, but by this ring, which has been rubbed 
ngninst tlic image ? ' 



I 



Chap. yill. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 245 

evening service, but at length I found, that that rich 
and rather numerous congregation, was left to spend 
the rest of the Lord^s day in eating, drinking, and 
being merry. And I returned much disappointed and 
grieved. 

" My kind host indeed had spoken slightly of this 
minister, and as the day was extremely bad, and the 
rain incessant, earnestly dissuaded me from riding four 
miles through very bad roads to Church. But I had 
attributed this partly to prejudice, and was determined 
at least to judge for myself He however made par- 
ticular enquiry, and afterwards wrote me word, that 
he thought it necessary to caution me against this 
minister, as he had had positive information, that he 
was deeply implicated in the revolution. I am indeed 
compelled to confess, that more than one of the protes- 
tant ministers whom I had met with, were not without 
some imputation, from the part they acted during that 
unhappy period. And a very general spirit of Socin- 
ianism, to say the least of it, prevailed at that time 
among the protestants of France. I have heard with 
much pleasure, that a great revival of religion has since 
taken place amongst them ; and have been rejoiced to 
hear the decided sentiments which have been expressed 
by some of their ministers, at public meetings in this 
country. 

" Returning to Givet, I was very much astonished 
to meet on the way, two or three considerable parties 
of our men. They passed me with downcast looks, 
and shame was strongly painted in their countenances ; 
and I dared not speak to them, not doubting of the 



246 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

fact, and knowing that the consequence could only 
have been evil, without the least hope of good. When 
I arrived, I found that the men were so bent upon 
going into the French service, that it seemed as if a 
sort of infatuation had taken possession of them. And 
although I was persuaded that the object of the greater 
part of them was, to run away, and get home ; yet 
they were in the mean time becoming traitors to their 
country, and exposing themselves, if they were taken, 
to capital punishment. 

"In every point of view, therefore, it was most 
earnestly to be desired that this might be put a stop 
to. But how it was to be done was a far more difficult 
question. There were many reasons, both of right and 
policy, which engaged me to look on, as if I were 
totally indifferent ; and the consequence of my not 
doing so, would probably have been, my being sent 
away ; as a clergyman had already been, from one of 
the depots, for only speaking to the men on the subject. 
I however thought that this was a case in which every 
thing was to be risked. This officer, I found, had 
taken lodgings in the town, had got many men every 
day, and had declared, that Christmas was coming on, 
and he should then have half the barracks. I went up, 
therefore, the next morning, to church as usual ; and 
after the service I spoke to the people on the subject. 
It was a remarkable thing, that not one of those who 
professed religion had thought of going, with the excep- 
tion of one man ; who, when I spoke to him, said, 
'tliat he was not an Englishman but an American ;' and 
though lie would not do any thing inconsistent with his 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 247 

profession, he could not think that he was bound to 
remain in prison, for a cause which was not that of his 
country. 

"I told them, therefore, that T had not the least 
apprehension of any of them entering into the service 
of the enemy ; but that they were called to use their 
influence with their fellow prisoners, and it was their 
duty to employ every possible means to prevent others 
from doing a thing so wicked, and disgraceful to them 
as Englishmen. * They said, that they had not only 
used persuasion, but force ; but that the madness was 
so great, that whilst a party of them were standing at 
the gate to prevent desertion, one at a time would take 
the opportunity, when any one was coming in, and run 
past them, before they could stop them. They all, 
however, set to work in earnest ; and from this time 
there w^ere not more than one a day, for the two or 
three days before Christmas ; and I believe two or 
three of the loose ones on Christmas day ; and im- 
mediately after this the officer went away.""'' 

* " One day, previous to liis departure, I was sitting in mj room 
writing, when a gentleman was shewn in, dressed in the most elegant 
French uniform I had, perhaps, ever seen. Not having the least idea 
who it was, I bowed to him, and spoke to him in French. To my 
great astonishment, he answered in English, that, 'understanding there 
would, probably, come some money for some of the men who were 
gone into the French service, he should be much obliged to me if I 
would forward it.' I answered, I fear rather too angrily, ' that I should 
certainly send the money back.' ' Then, sir,' said he, ' I have done my 
duty, and you will do yours.' ' I do not know, sir,' I answered ' what 
your notions of duty may be; but certainly, I shall not fail to do 
mine.' He bowed, with extreme confusion marked in his face, and 
hastily went away." 



248 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

"On this occasion, I ought to make honourable men- 
tion of the midshipmen who were at the depot. A 
number of them were sent thither some time previous 
to this circumstance ; and they shewed an extraordi- 
nary zeal to prevent the men from betraying their 
country. Mr. B. then a youngster, about seventeen, 
full of zeal for the service in which he was engaged, 
copied, and put up in the prison, in spite of gens 
d'armes and spies, a dialogue which 1 wrote out, 
shewing them in their own quaint expressions, what 
they might expect from the enemy, into whose service 
they were enlisting ; and the rest were very active and 
useful in preventing this defection. Of these young 
gentlemen I can say nothing in a religious point of 
view ; except it be of Mr. T., who was very peculiar 
in his manner ; but, I trusted, and yet believe, was 
decidedly serious. But their conduct, as regarded 
their service and profession, was so distinguished, and 
reflected so much credit upon them, that it ought not 
to pass unnoticed. 

" They were so anxious to get home, and so ingeni- 
ous and bold in facing every danger and difficulty, 
which stood in their way, that every expedient to 
prevent them was in vain. It was for this cause that 
some of them were sent from Verdun to Givet ; and the 
Commandant took every precaution that he could think 
of, to inform himself of their plans, so as to prevent 
their escape. Amongst other things, he opened all their 
letters before he allowed them to be sent into the 
prison, where they were closely confined ; while num- 
bers of the common men had the liberty of the town. 



Chap. YIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 249 

After eight of them had escaped, and been retaken ; 
and at the moment when he was most alarmed, and 
on the qui vive ; a letter arrived for Mr. B. from his 
mother. The Commandant had no doubt, from the 
natural affection of a mother, that it was to urge him 
to get home ; and perhaps to point out and furnish 
him with the means, for himself at least, if not for 
others also. But when it was read to him, he could 
not contain his astonishment and admiration, and spoke 
of it to every body. 

" Lady B., though I have not the honour of knowing 
her, and am ignorant if she be in this militant state, 
I have some reason to believe, was a person of decided 
piety. But however that be, for I did not myself see 
her letter, it shewed a strength of mind and principle, 
not common to the gentle nature and indulgent feelings 
of a mother. She had heard that in some of the 
depots, there had been midshipmen who had broken 
their parole, and come home. And she entreated her 
son not to let any personal suffering, or ill treatment, or 
example induce him to do what would disgrace himself, 
distress his family beyond measure, and cast a reflec- 
tion upon his country. Young as he was however, 
no officer grown old in the career of British service, 
had less need of the pious and self-denying counsel 
of such a mother. He and some others afterwards 
escaped, in the most honourable manner, after having 
been once re-taken ; though he himself might perhaps 
even then have succeeded, but that he would not leave 
behind him, a brother midshipman, who had lamed 
himself on the journey ; and thus, after two attempts, 



250 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

and through dangers and difficulties which might have 
overcome the courage even of a British sailor, they 
arrived at home. 

" But this letter, together with the strict observance 
of a given or even implied parole, on the part of all 
the prisoners, even to the lowest amongst them, so 
raised the character of the English at Givet, that the 
Commandant was quite persuaded, that they were most 
in safety when they were most in the enjoyment of 
liberty. Many of the men therefore were permitted to 
work in the town, and were much sought after by those 
who wanted workmen or servants ; and a great number 
walked out into the town, and even into the country 
every day. But though they were constantly escaping 
from the prison, they never betrayed the confidence 
placed in them. The midshipmen were now all allowed 
their parole ; and shewed themselves as worthy of it, 
as established officers. 

" One circumstance, indeed, of a very lamentable 
description, ought not perhaps to be passed over. Two 
of these young gentlemen, Mr. H. and Mr. G. went 
out, accompanied by one of the gens d'armes, before 
they obtained their parole ; and while the soldier 
was occupied, they got away and escaped. They were 
hid during the whole day in the souterrain of a fortified 
mountain, on the other side of the river. In the even- 
ing however they became alarmed. They thought they 
heard something like the noise of a horse shaking 
liimsclf; and immediately after the name of Mr. H. 
called out Icudly ; and this repeated three times. 
They left the place, and in their fears wished, perhaps, 



CHAP.Vni. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 251 

rather to be retaken than not. An unhappy Enghsh- 
man, in the pay of the Commandant, saw them coming 
down the hill, and instantly informed the gens d'armes 
from whom they had escaped. This man had been 
drinking all day ; and setting out after them, filled 
with rage, he soon overtook them, and cut down 
Mr. H. who died immediately, and wounded Mr. G. 

" This murder was savagely exulted in by the Gen- 
eral, and shamelessly excused by the Commandant. 
The latter, however, was there only for a short time ; 
but this circumstance, as may be supposed, made much 
ill feeling in the depot. The midshipmen wrote a 
spirited note to the Commandant. The prisoners 
would have taken summary vengeance upon the spy, 
had he not been taken out of their hands, and kept 
out of prison. I thought it my duty to withhold from 
him every assistance given to the rest of the prisoners. 
The Commandant insisted on its being paid, but I 
refused. He then denounced me to the Minister of 
War, as assisting the midshipmen to escape ; but at 
that period, I was not unknown by character to the 
Minister, and it happened providentially, that the 
former Commandant, was at that moment in Paris, 
returning to Givet ; and thought it for his interest, 
knowing that I was now zealously supported by Colonel 
Flayelle, and some other persons of influence, to assist 
me ; and our treacherous Commandant was, to our 
great gratification, soon removed. 

" Even here there was no breach of parole. But 
shortly after the return of the Commandant, three of 
the young gentlemen gave a proof of adherence to that 



252 MEMOIR OF Chap. VIII. 

pledge, which would reflect credit upon officers even 
of rank in the army or navy. Their friends had now 
been some time gone away, and had arrived at home, 
and they began to regret that they had not gone with 
them. They came to me, to ask me to give them 
money for their bills upon their friends, which I did, 
asking them of course no questions. The same evening 
they conducted themselves in such a manner, as, they 
were persuaded, would cause the Commandant to take 
away their parole. But he suspected what they were 
meditating, and refused to put them in prison. The 
next night they made a more determined attempt ; 
but still in vain, he would not take away their parole. 
Precisely at that moment, as if to try their faith to 
the utmost, an order arrived from the Minister of War 
to send all the Midshipmen, under a double escort of 
gens d'armes, to Verdun. But in spite of this positive 
order, the Commandant took upon himself to send 
them upon their parole. And they walked all the day 
to that place without the least idea of escaping ; 
although all the soldiers in France would scarcely have 
prevented them from making the attempt. 

" We had now done with the midshipmen. On 
some occasions they gave us considerable anxiety, as 
might readily be expected by those who know what 
young persons of that age are, even under the restric- 
tion of a school. They were ready on every occasion 
to crowd every sail, which the ebullition of animal spirits, 
and elevated national feeling, and exalted notions of 
the British navy could give them, without the ballast 
of matured judgment and experience ; when they felt 



Chap. VIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 253 

that their enemies exulted over them, or oppressed the 
poor fellows. And their interference in behalf of the 
men was often calculated to do harm instead of good. 
But I feel it incumbent upon me to give this testimony 
to the distinguished conduct of these young persons in 
a point of view, in which they raised the British cha- 
racter in that place ; and that they did what they 
could, to stir up in the minds of the men that sense 
of allegiance to their king and country, which time 
and absence had begun to extinguish. 

" The sufferings which some of the midshipmen en- 
dured in their successful attempts to return and fight 
the battles of their country, have in some instances 
been published ; but in many they might almost seem 
incredible, if we did not know what high professional 
feelings may effect, when combined with the ardor and 
enterprize of youth. 

"It would give me exquisite pleasure, if I should hear 
that any of these young men who dared so much, and 
bore so much, to regain the opportunity of distinguish- 
ing themselves in their country's cause, are now fighting 
with equal boldness the good fight of faith in the 
service of the Kings of Kings. In that case they will 
not go without their reward. 

"I would not forego the hope, that though little 
notion can be formed on this side of the w^ater of the 
situation of the prisoners in France ; particularly w^hen 
their sufferings were embittered by the sense that 
they were cut off from all opportunities of distinguish- 
ing themselves in their country's service ; many may 
have received marks of favor, specially on account 



254 MEMOIR OF Chap. YIII. 

of what they had to bear in their captivity. Of this 
however I am ignorant, as with the exception of a 
short letter of greeting from Mr. B. some time ago, and 
one from Mr. H. after his return, I have lost sight of 
these young men ever since they left the depot." 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 255 



CHAPTER IX. 



JOURNEY TO TOURS, INCIDENTS ON THE ROAD AND RESIDENCE THERE. 



I FEEL that no apology need be made to the readers of 
this Memoir for the length of the digression which 
occupied the last Chapter. The history of Sir Jahleel 
Brenton is identified with the service of his country; 
and a very inadequate idea would be formed of the perils 
undergone, and the hardships endured iti that service, 
if the storm and the battle were the only circumstances 
recounted ; and the sickening length of a dreary capti- 
vity, embittered by ill treatment, and hardly cheered 
by hope, was not to be named among the evils that 
were braved and borne by the navy during the last 
war. 

Had the excellent friend, from whose deeply interest- 
ing narrative 1 have extracted this notice of the state 
of things at Givet, been spared; I might have calcu- 
lated with equal confidence on his indulgence, when the 
character of Sir Jahleel Brenton, and the interests of 
his family were to be asserted; and it is a source of 



256 MEMOIR OF Chip. XL 

satisfaction to myself to be able to draw attention to 
one of the most touching and affecting memorials of 
God's mercy to men, which have been recently pub- 
lished. 

From causes which it is not easy to explain, the nar- 
rative which bears the title of the " British Prisoners in 
France," never seems to have met with the acceptance 
which it deserves; for of all the cases where the grace 
of God has been exhibited in a large and general mea- 
sure, where it seems to have descended as in showers, 
none seem to have exceeded this in the simplicity of 
the means used, and in the extent of the blessing vouch- 
safed. The depot which Mr. Wolfe found like a howl- 
ing wilderness, he left like a garden of the Lord ; but 
few persons can conceive the difficulties with which he 
had to struggle, or the value of the assistance which he 
derived from Sir Jahleel Brenton's co-operation. 

The object which he had in view was accomplished. 
His labour was not in vain in the Lord ; but it is pain- 
ful and yet salutary to hear of the way in which these 
disinterested exertions and self devotion were acknow- 
ledged at home. The moral influence which was exer- 
cised on the people at Givet prevented desertion, and 
probably preserved hundreds of valuable seamen for the 
service of their country. The schools, which were 
established at the same time for the boys, rescued them 
from the evils of ignorance, and prepared them to resume 
their place in the navy, instructed in the theory and 
practice of navigation. Had this not been done, all the 
prisoners, both old and young, would have returned from 
their captivity unfit for employment, and burdens to the 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 257 

country which received them ; and the nation owed to 
Mr. Wolfe and his companion in labour, a debt which 
might have justified any mark of public gratitude. An 
effort was made to obtain for him the amount of a chap- 
lain's pay during the period of his residence at Givet ; 
and after long delay and many applications this was 
granted. It is happy for those who labour for the 
public good, to look to a different remuneration than 
that which man affords. There is one Master who 
knows what his servants do, and who never allowed the 
least or lowest effort to go without its reward ; and he 
who labours in faith feels it his privilege to think little 
of the recompense he may receive from men. 

The Memoir may now be continued in Sir JahleeFs 
own words, and he thus describes the journey to Tours. 
" On the 31st of October we began our journey, having 
our route marked out upon my passport, by which we 
were prohibited from passing through Paris, but 
ordered to turn off to the left at Meaux, and to pro- 
ceed by Melun, and Fontainebleau, thence on the right 
bank of the Loire from Orleans to Tours.'' 

At Melun it appears that Captain Brenton met Lord 
Elgin, to whose character he gives the following pleas- 
ing tribute. " It is but justice to Lord Elgin to men- 
tion in this place, that during the whole of his captivity 
he was most liberal and active in relieving his poor 
countrymen, as they passed near the places of his resi- 
dence, and by sending sums of money to Verdun for 
their use. Whilst he was at Orleans, numbers of sea- 
men on their way from the coast to the interior, passed 
through; in particular the officers and crew of the 

s 



258 IVIEMOm OF Chap. IX. 

Wolverine, who all spoke in the highest terms of his 
Lordship's humanity and benevolence." 

It was from Lord Elgin at Melun that Captain 
Brenton had the gratification of receiving confirmed 
and authentic accounts of the battle of Trafalgar. At 
Orleans, November, 1805, Sir Jahleel has preserved 
the following recollections of his journey. " This was 
one of the finest and most charming days we had ex- 
perienced; the country gradually improAdng in fertility, 
and cultivation, as we approached the Loire, which in 
its passage by Orleans, with the numerous villas on its 
banks as far as the eye could reach, formed as fine a 
picture as can be imagined. At Epernay, the chief 
depot for the wine of Champagne, I called upon Mons. 
Meet, the great proprietor of this wine. We were all 
most hospitably received and entertained by this gen- 
tleman. In conversation at table respecting tlie use of 
Champagne in cookery, Madame Moot observed, that 
she believed there was not a dish in the first course, in 
which this wine was not an ingredient, that the ham 
was boiled in it, and every other dish had its portion. 
At breakfast the following morning I observed that 
Champagne was not forgotten even in this meal. The 
Lady replied that she believed it was in every thing 
but the cofice. This was of course a Dejeuner a la 
fourchette, and a very sumptuous one. By the time 
breakfast was over, the carriage was at the door for us 
to resume our journey ; but M. Moot requested me 
to pay a visit to his cellar, before I left Epernay ; and 
the sight amply rewarded me for the detention. It 
was of immense extent, the wine entirely in bottle, to 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 259 

the amount I believe of some hundreds of thousands, 
beautifully arranged in tiers, with marble conductors, 
leading to reservoirs of the same material, to carry off 
and receive the wine from the bottles which burst, 
a circumstance of very frequent recurrence. On re- 
turning from the cellar I found the ladies were already 
in the carriage, and it was with difficulty I could find 
a place for myself, in consequence of the packages of 
the very best champagne which M. Meet had caused 
to be placed there. We left Epernay with a very 
strong impression of the kindness and hospitality we 
had received. In the afternoon we reached Meaux, 
where we were to pass the night ; and on going down 
to order dinner, my host received me with a broad 
grin, and the following sentence : " Ah monsieur, vous 
venez de nous rosser un pen sur mer, d'apres les 
nouvelles." Captain — " Cela se pent bien.'^ Landlord — 
" Oui, mais vous nous avez pris 21 Vaisseaux de ligne." 
Captain — " Bah ! vous voulez dire 21 batimens mar- 
chands." Landlord — ^'Non Monsieur. Vingt et un 
vaisseaux de ligne, bien comptes — mais vous avez perdu 
Nelson. II est tue." This was the first intelligence 
I had received of the battle of Trafalgar, which how- 
ever had taken place only on the 21st of October, and 
this was on the 4th of November. I did not altogether 
credit mine host's news, and left Meaux the following 
morning. On my arriving at Melun, about two o'clock, 
I met Lord Elgin, who was then residing there as a 
detenu, who confirmed the news of a great nav^al vic- 
tory having been gained, and the report that Lord 
Nelson had fallen ; " but," added his lordship, " I am in 



260 MEMOIR OF Chap. TX. 

hourly expectation of news from Paris, and as you only 
go as far as Fontainebleau to night ; I will, as soon as I 
get my letter, ride over, and dine with you ; an offer 
that I gladly accepted. Accordingly his lordship came 
by five o'clock, with every particular of the action, at 
least as far as the French account went, which was 
surprisingly accurate. It was an account sent by mer- 
chants at Cadiz, through Bourdeaux to Paris. A 
very difierent statement was soon after concocted for 
the information of the French nation, in the columns 
of the Moniteur. One of Mr. Meet's best bottles was 
opened for Lord Elgin upon this occasion, and our 
spirits felt all the triumph of our country. I copied an 
account of this battle from the Journal de Paris 16 
Frimaire An xiv. 7 Dec. 1805, which my brother has 
inserted in his naval history. 

"From Fontainebleau we proceeded through Pithivier 
to Orleans. At this place I was amused at the inscrip- 
tion over the inn where we alighted ; 

ICI L'ON" DONNE A BOIRE ET A MANGER 

AUX ANGES 

A PIED ET A CIIEYAL, 

and it was at this inn that I determined to give up a 
practice, which every Frenchman, and by far the 
greater part of the English travellers considered as in- 
dispensable ; that of making a bargain with the land- 
lord previous to getting out of the carriage. The 
instant the question was put to mine host at Pithivier, 
his manners changed at once, and he sulkily rephed, 
" c'cst suivant comme vous voulcz etre servis." A hard 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 261 

bargain was made accordingly, for the dinner, *' la 
chambre," the beds, the fuel, and the wine. The treaty 
being concluded, we took possession of our apartments. 
A fire was made of light brushwood, which was soon 
consumed, and on application for more, we were told 
that they had giyen the stipulated allowance. The 
dinner was bad, scanty, and ill dressed, the bed rooms 
were uncomfortable, and the wine of the most indif- 
ferent description, but there was no redress. We 
arrived early on the following day at Orleans, and 
having no prehminary discussion we were cordially 
received, had the best accommodation, and fare in 
abundance, and of the best quality ; while the differ- 
ence in the bill the following morning was only six 
francs amongst four people. 

"We remained here during Sunday, and met some of 
our fellow prisoners from Verdun, the family of Mr. 
Aufrere. From this gentleman I procured further 
details of the battle of Trafalgar, even to a list of the 
killed and wounded on both sides. The intelligence 
had been brought from Cadiz, through Madrid and 
Bayonne, in a mercantile correspondence, but was 
carefully concealed from the public in general. It 
is certain that the respectable classes of people in 
France, by no means took that lively degree of interest 
in their national successes, or felt that mortification for 
the unsuccessful results of their engagements with the 
enemy, which have been ascribed to them at this 
period ; and the reason is, that under so ambitious a 
leader, they were aware that every victory excited 



262 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

some new object for achievement, in consequence of 
which new conscriptions were called out, as well to 
supply recent losses, as to form additional corps. They 
consoled themselves under a defeat, in the hope that 
it might lead to a peace.'' ^ 

Among his recollections of Tours, Captain Brenton 
says, " we here found an excellent and worthy 
friend and physician, in Dr. Morgan, who had been 
our fellow prisoner at Verdun. He with his amia- 
ble wife and little boy, had been permitted to reside 
here. From his skill, and the kindness and atten- 
tion of his family we derived the greatest comfort 
and benefit. The illness of our darling boy (he had 
been taken ill on the road) continued for some days to 
be very alarming ; but was at length permitted by a 
merciful Providence to give way to the remedies which 
were administered to him, and he began to shew 
symptoms of returning health." 

In addition to the services of Dr. Morgan, it appears 
that Captain Brenton had also great advantages in the 
sldll of Dr. now Sir Thomas G rey. " Under his tender 
care," he says, " I had been while at Verdun, and this 
gentleman, with his wife and daughter, were amongst 
the number of the detenus, and whilst at Verdun our 
families had become much attached to each other. I 
candidly detailed these circumstances in a letter to the 
Minister of Marine, expressing how much I should 
feel gratified, if this family might also be permitted to 
reside at Tours ; as I knew this to be their wish. This 
request was kindly and readily granted, and in the 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 263 

course of a few weeks our two families were again 
united at Tours, and no day passed, without our enjoy- 
ing each other's society. 

" An occasional gloom would sometimes take posses- 
sion of me, as I considered myself shut out from my 
profession, for which, ever since my first entrance into it, 
I had felt an inexpressible ardour. One evening, when 
walking the room with Dr. Grey, I said, I felt a convic- 
tion that I was a prisoner for the remainder of the war, 
and that my naval career was at an end. He replied, 
« Don't give way to such feelings ; how do you know, 
but that you may be exchanged, have the command of 
a fine frigate, and take a prize before another year is 
over.' I answered smiling, 4f that should be the 
case, Doctor, I promise to give you the Encyclopedia 
Britannica.' And impossible as it seemed to be at the 
moment, the Doctor did get that work upon these 
conditions before the year expired. 

" We had procured most comfortable lodgings in the 
principal street of Tours, and began to enjoy the hap*- 
piness we had promised ourselves. We had perfect 
tranquillity, no annoyance from the police, or the de- 
partment for the controul of prisoners of war. I was 
only expected to present myself before the General 
once in three weeks, and had unrestrained access to 
every part of the province. Another attack, however, 
similar to what T had experienced at Charni, again 
filled me with anxiety, and by having recourse to low 
diet, I became extremely reduced. The mercy and 
forbearance of God, notwithstanding my ungrateful 
repining, nevertheless brought me through this illness 



264 MEMOIR OF Chap, IX. 

also. How often have my apprehensions thus proved 
vain ; and, in how many instances had perfect happi- 
ness been my lot, but for my own groundless fears, 
which prevented my enjoyment of it. What a lesson 
for the remainder of my days ! May they at least be 
devoted unreservedly, and with the most entire and 
perfect confidence to God, in resignation to the Divine 
will ; and let us, my darling children, in all our worldly 
anxieties, remember the following beautiful hues in 
Young : — 

" What can preserve my life, or what destroy ? 
An angel's arm can't snatch me from the grave, 
Legions of angels can't confine me there." 

0, that this blessed, this most inestimable truth, could 
but be for ever on our minds ! To what state of happi- 
ness should we be instantly transported, and upon how 
sure a foundation it would stand ! We should smile 
at the worst efforts of the world, and we should weep 
with delight, as well as grief, at the translation of those 
dear to us, to a region of everlasting happiness. The 
measure of human faith is probably seldom suffered to 
arrive at such a height, lest it should deprive us of all 
interest in the world, and fill us with impatience for the 
next/' 

On the 16th of January, 1806, Mrs. Brenton gave 
birth to a daughter, the one who is so constantly 
addressed in these notes. Of this period the following 
record is preserved. " By the blessing of God, my 
beloved companion's health was soon restored, and the 
sweet addition to our little family, was a new source of 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 265 

gratitude, and happiness. How familiar to my recol- 
lection are the scenes of that delightful period. My 
own anxieties were now fast wearing away, or only 
intruded themselves as the unfavourable symptoms of 
ill health recurred, which was very seldom. The eon- 
firmed health of our darling boy was more apparent 
every day, and he now became peculiarly engaging, 
and interesting. Although but three years old, he 
gave evident signs of great capacity, and we rather 
checked, than stimulated the inclination towards learn- 
ing, which he very decidedly possessed even at that 
early age. 

"Tours lying on the great road from Bordeaux, 
Passage, and Rochefort, to the depot of the prisoners, 
we had frequent detachments of our unfortunate coun- 
trymen marching through. Early in the year the 
officers and crews of H. M. ships the Calcutta, and 
Ranger, together with those of the Belle Packet, which 
had been captured by the Rochefort squadron, under 
Admiral AUemande, arrived at Tours, on their march 
to the depot of Verdun and Arras, to which they were 
destined. They were all confined in the common 
prison, as they had been indiscriminately marched 
under the same escort, without any respect being paid 
to the rank of the officers, however high. The landlord 
of the principal inn at Tours, called upon me late in 
the evening, to inform me they had just reached the 
prison, concluding that I would make an appHcation 
for the officers to be liberated on their parole. That 
mon hole was not entirely disinterested, came out, upon 
our way to the General's house together. " Monsieur,' 



266 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

said he, "il ne faut pas seulement penser a soi. II y 'a 
d'autres Aubergistes k Tours, qui voudroient avoir de vos 
Messieurs chez eux. Je vous prie done de me consigner 
vingt des plus riches, et que les autres soient partages 
parmi mes confreres." The General immediately at my 
request gave an order to liberate the officers on parole. 
Joy resounded at once through the prison, nor were 
the seamen and marines without their share of it, as 
they were immediatel}^ supplied with a hot supper, and 
liad their regular meals during the remainder of their 
stay at Tours. Although relief could not be officially 
given, in consequence of the prohibition of the French 
government, this was done by private contribution, 
and the expence attending it was subsequently de- 
frayed by the Admiralty ; and the liberality of their 
country by the remittances made for their relief, 
enabled us to procure for them many comforts at 
this dreary season of the year, during a winter that 
was felt very severely, even in that mild region. This 
was an additional alleviation to the sense of our 
captivity." 

On the 9th of April, 1806, Captain Brenton and his 
family removed to a country house near Tours, of which 
he thus speaks. " This was, indeed a little paradise to 
us ; a most beautiful situation, on the right bank of the 
Loire, very near the bridge of Tours. The house was, 
in fact, an excavation made in the solid rock, upon a 
considerable elevation, the fiice and roof only being built 
with masonry. The approach to it was by a long 
flight of steps, ascending through four terraces, on each 
of which was a beautiful garden, and on the uppermost 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 267 

level, contiguous to the house, a delightful grove of 
trees; surrounding a spacious saloon distinct from the 
house. This singular and delightful retreat was called 
' Les petits Capucins.' Nothing but the idea of captivity, 
and that restless anxiety for worldly prosperity, or to 
speak more plainly, that forgetfulness of the inex- 
haustible goodness of Divine Providence, and want of 
confidence in our Heavenly Father, could have pre- 
vented my enjoying perfect felicity there. But un- 
grateful, and impatient as I was, I can now recollect 
with feelings bordering on delight, the many instances 
in which I acknowledged my sense of the happiness I 
enjoyed. We were now most comfortably fixed in our 
delightful habitation, but our peaceful enjoyment was 
soon unsettled by the prospect of an exchange of pri- 
soners. The death of Mr. Pitt, which had taken place 
in January, and the coalition of parties which had been 
the consequence, now excited in the breast of Buona- 
parte sanguine hopes of being able to negociate a 
peace, through the influence of Mr. Fox. For notwith- 
standing his rancorous hostility against Great Britain, 
this had long been his most anxious wish. England 
was the only enemy he dreaded. In order to concihate 
Mr. Fox, such of his friends as were prisoners in 
France, were immediately released, as well as those, 
whose liberation was thought likely to be agreable to 
him. Of this number were Lord Elgin, General Aber- 
crombie. Captain Gower, and some others ; and at the 
same time I received a letter from Captain Jurieu, a 
French captain in the navy, who had been sent over 
from England, three years before, in exchange for me, 



268 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

recommending me to make every possible effort to get 
this exchange ratified, which he had been unable to do, 
nor could he procure permission to return to his cap- 
tivity in England agr cable to the pledge he had given. 
I of course followed his advice, but without success." 
On the 11th of June, Captain Coote quitted Tours 
for England, and " this event," Captain Brenton says, 
"we considered of very great importance. Captain 
Coote being a commander, and recently captured, I had 
every reason to be sanguine, in the hope that my own 
liberty was at hand." On the 23rd of July, he says, 
" The fluctuations of hope and fear respecting our 
liberation from captivity, had now in a great measure 
subsided. The departure of Captain Coote, for Eng- 
land, who had so recently been made a prisoner, con- 
vinced me that the measure was not meant to be 
general, for had that been the case, priority of capture 
would have given me the preference." Captain Brenton 
says, " It was even reported that Buonaparte had 
declared he would not consent to my exchange, which 
was probably the case. The people of France were 
as clamorous for peace as they dared to be, and when 
the municipality, in grand costume, were parading the 
streets, with military music, to announce some of the 
great victories gained in Germany, they would exclaim, 
' Eh ! voila unc autre victoirc, ct cela nous donnera une 
autre conscription.' When the news of Lord Lauder- 
dale's departure from France reached Tours, it was 
announced in the theatre ; when a person was heard 
distinctly to say, ' Cctte maudite guerre done ne finira 
janiais.' Such, I believe, was a very general feeling 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 269 

amongst the inhabitants of France. An increased 
degree of economy was manifested by the French 
Government. The Milan and Berhn decrees were 
issued for the prohibition of all trade with Great 
Britain, and bankers were even forbidden to discount 
the prisoners' bills. Messrs. Peregaux wrote to me 
with their usual liberality, informing me of this inhuman 
order ; but they added, that although they could no 
longer discount my bills, yet they begged I would not 
scruple to draw upon them for whatever money I might 
require ; and that they should be quite satisfied, that 
their account should be settled at the end of the war. 
The victory gained by Sir John Duckworth off San 
Domingo, in which he captured and destroyed the 
whole of the French squadron, did not at all con- 
tribute to allay the irritable feelings of the Emperor. 

" I therefore felt convinced, from the selection that 
had been made of prisoners to be liberated, that 
Buonaparte had a particular object in view ; that he 
was courting a party, instead of endeavouring to con- 
ciliate the British Government. This soon proved to 
be the case. The negociation was broken off, and the 
acrimony shewn towards the British prisoners was 
greater than ever ; all communication with England, 
even the transfer of bills, was positively forbidden." 
These restrictions do not seem to have extended to the 
prisoners at Tours, for, on the 6th of September Cap- 
tain Brenton says, " This day was passed in great 
delight in rambling over the beautiful grounds of 
Chanteloup, and visiting the castle of Amboise. Our 
darling children were in high health, and my own 



270 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

healtli in a great measure restored. We were in pos- 
session of every thing to make us happy and grateful. 
The autumn was dehghtful, and we were under no 
restraint as prisoners, but permitted to make excursions 
to every part of the district. Our society was small 
but friendly. We had an addition to our friends by 
the arrival of Mr. Forbes (probably brother to the one 
before mentioned) and Sir H. Titchbourne, with their 
families, and had established a social intercourse, which 
was productive of much comfort and cheerfulness. In 
the beginning of November the approach of winter 
induced us to change our residence, from the beautiful 
place we inhabited, to a more commodious house in the 
city of Tours, where we had made up our minds to 
pass the winter contentedly. All hopes of an exchange 
had now subsided ; mine were now directed towards a 
continuance of the indulgence of being allowed to live 
at a distance from a depot ; and from the increased 
ill humour of Buonaparte towards England, I had 
serious apprehensions of more vigorous measures being 
resorted to respecting the prisoners. I was under the 
influence of these feelings, when one morning returning 
home I found my beloved Isabella in tears, and much 
agitated ; she told me a gens d'armes had been in 
pursuit of me, requiring my immediate attendance 
before the General. The visit of a gens d'armes rarely 
boded any thhig favourable towards a prisoner. I 
however endeavoured to preserve my tranquillity, and 
soothe the anxiety of your dear mother. I hastened 
to the General expecting some unpleasant communica- 
tion, but to my great surprize and joy, was received 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 271 

"with great cordiality, and these unexpected words, 
^ Monsieur, vous n'etes plus prisonnier — Je vous en 
felicite.' You may easily imagine the effect this 
information produced upon me. I ran home in an 
ecstacy of joy, which 1 concluded would have been 
equally great on the part of my darling companion. 
Joy did for a moment glisten in her eyes, for she 
always shared in my feelings. She felt a gleam of 
happiness because she saw me happy ; but a moment's 
reflection shewed her the certainty of our being sepa- 
rated upon our reaching England, by my being 
employed afloat. She immediately contrasted the 
felicity she had enjoyed in France, with the probability . 
of a long absence from each other, and all its fertile 
sources of anxiety and misery. But she was too good 
and too grateful to our merciful Benefactor to indulge 
these feelings long. She soon became herself again, 
and sympathized sincerely in my joy. Of her own 
feelings on this occasion, the record left by her own 
pen seems worthy of insertion." 

" Monday, 25th December, 1806, Morlaix. Left 
Tours after a truly happy residence of twelve months. 
In the course of that time I had the satisfaction to 
observe the restoration of the health of two of the 
objects dearest to me in the world, and we have been 
surrounded with every comfort and blessing but Hberty. 
I failed not to offer up my thanks to Almighty God 
daily, for the mercies he so bountifully bestowed upon 
me ; and now, heavenly Father, Thou hast called 
forth my gratitude on a new subject, by thy merciful 
goodness, for all good belongeth unto Thee alone. We 



272 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

have at length obtained the object we so much wished 
for. Our captivity has ceased, and through Thy mercy 
and protection, we have been enabled to perform a 
journey of upwards of two hundred miles, without the 
smallest accident or delay. My beloved husband and 
children have arrived in perfect health, and for myself 
I can truly say, that I never enjoyed a greater share. 
Now, then, great and merciful Father, I implore 
again Thy protection, in the voyage we are about to 
take at the present season of the year. Great must 
be the perils and dangers, but under Thy Almighty 
care, I humbly hope and trust we shall be preserved 
from them all, and be enabled to reach our own 
country in health and safety, and once more enjoy 
the blessing of finding our friends in health and happi- 
ness. This I beg through Jesus Christ our blessed 
Lord and Saviour. Amen." To this memorandum. Sir 
Jahleel Brenton subjoins, " Here my beloved children, 
is an example of pious gratitude and firm confidence 
in the protection of the same Almighty Being, who had 
always watched over us. To a common mind the idea 
of crossing the channel under all the circumstances 
in which she was placed, would have been full of terror, 
a few weeks only before your birth my dear Charles, 
in the depth of winter, and in a small French vessel of 
only eighty tons. But your mother never forgot in 
whose care she was placed. We had a most favourable 
journey from Tours to Morlaix, a constant succession 
of fine weather, and every comfort in our own pos- 
session to make up for the inconveniences on the road, 
which were sometimes very great. On our arrival at 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 273 

Morlaix we hired a small French brig for sixty louis 
d'ors to take us over. Many delays and difficulties 
occurred before we could embark, and when this point 
was gained, and we had reached the mouth of the 
Port, six miles from Morlaix, a foul wind was likely to 
detain us. But what seemed to promise an additional 
vexation, was a French privateer lying in readiness 
to take advantage of the first change ; and had she 
sailed, we should not have been permitted to follow for 
the next twenty-four hours, lest we might convey 
intelligence respecting her. This circumstance gave 
me much anxiety, which I now feel to have been 
inexcusable considering the blessings I enjoyed. It 
kept me frequently on deck during the night ; the 
wind having suddenly changed, we weighed at dawn 
of day, and were at sea before the privateer made any 
movement. I then considered myself out of captivity, 
and I humbly hope I felt the gratitude I so deeply 
owed to the Almighty, for His merciful protection of 
me and mine, during that part of my life, particularly 
when I was a prisoner ; ^ Let them give thanks whom 
the Lord hath redeemed, and delivered them out of the 
hands of the enemy.' Ps. cvii. 1 felt it worthy of 
recollection in every subsequent year, that this delight- 
ful Psalm should have been the first which I was called 
upon to read to my ship's company, a very few weeks 
after my release, on the first Sunday after my appoint- 
ment to the Spartan.'' 

Further particulars of the journey to Morlaix from 
Captain Brenton's notes may here be added. 

" Dr. and Mrs. Grey, and their daughter, were in- 

T 



274 MEMOIR OE Chap. IX. 

eluded with my own family in my passport (see the 
annexed letter from M. Decres).''^ This most peculiar 
instance of kind attention and good feeling, was pro- 
cured through the indulgence of the Minister of 
Marine : through whose kindness Dr. Grey's family 
had been permitted to join us at Tours. Messrs. 
Peregaux also availed themselves of this opportunity, to 
shew that the kindness and liberality which had been 
so strikingly evinced at the early part of my captivity, 
were unabated. With my passport came a letter from 
those gentlemen, containing their warmest congratula- 
tions ; and stating that in order to prevent any possi- 
bility of delay, they had sent me one hundred pounds 
for the expences of my journey, and wishing me all 
happiness and success. 

" On the 20th December our two happy and united 
families left Tours for Morlaix, which we reached on 
the 27th, passing through La Fleche, Rennes, Lamballe 
and St. Brieux. At Lamballe, which we reached 
late in the evening, I was informed that a detachment 

" Paris le 10. xbre. 1806. 

* " Je vous annonce avec plalsir Monsieur que vous venez d'obtenir 
votre echange centre Le Capitaine Infirmet cidevant Commandant le 
Vaisseau de sa Majeste L'Intrepide. 

"Votre passeport pour vous, votre famille et leDocteur Gr^s vous sera 
remis par Mr. Le General Commandant la 22 Division milltaire, et je 
donne des ordres ^ Morlaix pour que vous soyez antorisd d y freter un 
Parlementaire qui vous conduira dans votre Patrie. 

" Je sais le plaisir que cette nouvelle vous causera, et il m'est agreable 
d'avoir a vous lannoncer. 

*' Recevez Monsieur L'assurance de ma consideration distinguee. 

"DECRES. 

" M. BeeNTON, CApnf DE VaISSRAU A ToURS." 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 275 

of Englisli prisoners had arrived, and were in. the 
prison, and that I might see them, if I went early in 
the morning, when thej were to resume their march 
for the interior. At the dawn of day, I was at the 
prison door, and as the sailor was opening it, called out 
in the professional phrase, ' Yo ho ! shipmates.' No 
sooner was the well known expression heard, than one 
of the unfortunate inmates exclaimed, ' If I did not 
dream I was just drinking a pot of porter T This of 
course he considered prophetic of his obtaining some 
relief ; nor was he disappointed, for the hundred 
pounds sent by the kind M. Peregaux enabled me to 
give to each a sum which might have been a source of 
comfort for some days ; but it is probable, that it was 
soon swallowed up by extortion and excess. The money 
was of course given on government account. 

" On leaving Lamballe, on the road to St. Brieux, I 
had got out of the carriage for the purpose of walking 
up a very steep hill, and on reaching the top I had lost 
sight of the carriage, owing to the winding of the road ; 
I here saw another detachment of unfortunate blue 
jackets, under the escort of gens d'armes marching for 
Lamballe. I hailed them, and having ascertained to 
what ship they belonged, I gave to each man the sum 
of money I thought 1 could spare ; the escort all this 
time preserved rather an unaccountable silence, but 
when the distribution was over, accosted me with, 
' A present Monsieur, il faut savoir qui vous etes ; ou est 
votre passport 1' This had soon occurred to me, and I 
recollected that it was not about me, but in the car- 
riage, which now appeared on the summit of the hill. 



276 INIEMOIR OF Chap. TX. 

This however set all to rights, and the poor sailors gave 
three cheers to their countrymen, and pursued their 
melancholy journey. 

" In the course of a few hours, as we approached 
St. Brieux, we had from the top of a very high hill, 
a view of the deep blue sea, of the English channel. 
The effect of this sight upon persons in our situation 
may be easier conceived than described ; after being 
shut up for three years and a half in the interior of 
France, a far longer period than I had ever before 
been separated from my favourite element. Cheers from 
each denoted the general joy of the little party at 
again beholding what we all regarded as our country^s 
own domain. On our arrival at St. Brieux, we met 
another detachment of English prisoners, but they were 
officers on parole. The two parties, the one on their 
way home, the other beginning captivity, met together 
at the table d'hote ; and notwithstanding these adverse 
circumstances on the one side, the meeting was grati- 
fying to both. I was again enabled through Messrs. 
Peregaux to supply each officer with the means of 
performing his long journey with comparative comfort. 

" As we left the land the wind freshened, and a 
heavy sea got up. The French sailors who had been 
very earnest in offering their services to the ladies, and 
had even given their respective names, that they might 
be called upon when wanted, were the first to be 
prostrated by sea sickness, the whole eleven men with- 
out exception. The Captain alone was unaffected by 
the motion of his vessel; and on my suggesting to him 
the necessity of the topsail being reefed, as the wind 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 277 

increased, he shrugged his shoulders with the usual 
phrase of ' impossible/ He however admitted the ne- 
cessity of something being done, and having requested 
me to take the helm, he managed to lower the topsails 
on the cap, and as the wind was well aft, the vessel 
was able to bear it, and we two shared the helm 
between us for that day. In the middle of the ensuing 
night we had got over under the Start point, and the 
wind having got more to the westward, we found 
shelter there until daylight; when a beautiful day 
broke upon us, and enabled us to reach Dartmouth by 
eight o'clock in the morning. Thus ended our cap- 
tivity on the 29th of December, 1806, having com- 
menced on the 3rd July, 1803. 

" The retrospect gave me much thankfulness in every 
point of view. It was a singular circumstance, that on 
my journey from Bath to Portsmouth, in June, 1803, 
one of my companions on the coach was the late Sir 
Matthew Blakiston, who mentioned a report (an un- 
founded one) that the Hazard Sloop of war, commanded 
by Captain Neave, had been taken, and carried into 
a French Port. I immediately expressed my opinion, 
that I could hardly conceive a greater misfortune 
befalhng a professional man ; and that it would be 
one of the most difficult to support. In less than a 
month from that time, I was actually in the very 
dreaded situation ; and lost by it the command of one 
of the finest frigates in the Navy, with all the bright 
prospects attendant upon such a position, at the first 
breaking out of a war, when the ocean is covered by 
the enemy's vessels, and few Captains with such com- 



278 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

mands fail in making fortunes. But the wind is tem- 
pered to the shorn lamb — the blow to me was, indeed, 
a severe one, but I was enabled to support it ; and I 
have since been led to reflect upon the merciful dis- 
pensation which attended the event. It is very pos- 
sible, that the effect of the concussion of the brain, 
which I had so recently received in the Minerve 
previously to her capture, might have disabled me, for 
the arduous duty attending on the command of a 
cruising frigate ; and as I had already been indulged by 
having two acting Captains appointed to my ship, I 
could not have expected that a third would have been 
allowed ; and had I been obliged then to retire on half 
pay, with the httle interest I possessed, and the deeds 
of the new war, throwing into shade the achievements 
of the last ; it is very probable that I might never have 
succeeded in getting a ship ; but must have remained, 
like many of my brother officers, on half pay for the re- 
mainder of my days. I landed as a prisoner in France 
with the comforting recollection that no honour had 
been lost with my ship ; that it was one of the unavoid- 
able occurrences to which all are exposed in the profes- 
sion of arms. With these feelings, and gratitude for 
my protection, under a fire of such duration, and of so 
complicated a nature, my mind was kept in perfect 
peace.^^ 

At this point of the narrative it may not be irrelevant 
to introduce some remarks, which occur in the private 
memoir, on the state of the British prisoners in France ; 
in order to place, in its proper point of view, the general 
situation of the prisoners, and to consider how far the 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 279 

charges against the French Government for neglect and 
cruelty are made out. "It is an accusation which has 
been frequently made, and as I have often given my 
opinion, not only in conversation, but officially upon the 
subject, and as the latter stands upon record, it may be 
right in this place to give the sentiments, which I have 
frequently and dehberately expressed. But to do com- 
plete justice to this subject, and indeed to the French 
nation, it is necessary to distinguish between the con- 
duct of individuals, and the official measures of the 
French government. In doing this — under the first 
head we have a most gratifying task, so numerous are 
the instances of benevolence, kindness, and the best of 
feelings, manifested towards our suffering countrymen. 
I have already adverted to the singularly generous 
conduct of M. Dubois at Cherbourg, of Messrs Perre- 
gaux, the bankers, to the benevolence of Monsieur 
Parmentier, the Mayor of Phalsbourg, and the kind- 
ness and ready assistance of the French military autho- 
rities, at the different depots ; and I am decidedly of 
opinion, that had such conduct been sanctioned and 
encouraged by the Government itself, there is little 
doubt but the situation of the prisoners would have 
been very different from what they experienced during 
the greater part of the war. It will hence be seen that 
the French people as a people, were by no means impli- 
cated in the sufferings of our countrymen; but on the 
contrary, there are very many instances in which they 
shewed the kindest feehngs towards them ; received 
them into their houses, when found lame or sick on the 
road, and incapable of continuing their march ; and when 



280 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

tliey informed the nearest brigade of gens d' armes of the 
circumstance, at once to vindicate themselves from the 
charge of harbouring deserters, and to procure permis- 
sion for the sufferer to remain undisturbed, until able 
to continue his journey. This is the bright side of the 
picture. The other is of a very different description. 
It will be seen that the government allowance for the 
support of a prisoner was quite inadequate to the pur- 
pose — and that when administered as it was to them indi- 
vidually in prison, with no means of purchasing food, but 
through the abominable suttler, famine and disease were 
the unavoidable consequences. Then again, the arrange- 
ment made by the minister of war for the supply of 
clothes, shoes, and bedding, were tardy, neglectful, and 
insufl&cient; and but for the exertions of their own 
officers, many of the prisoners would undoubtedly have 
perished in the course of the winter. The places also 
allotted for their confinement, were, as has been shewn, 
quite unfit for the purpose ; often without roofs, contain- 
ing mud and pools of water, where their straw was to be 
deposited for their beds; and with additional abuse 
attending the straw, which instead of being delivered 
fresh from the sheaf, was in some instances only fit for 
the dunghill. 

" The manner in which prisoners were also marched 
from the most distant parts, such as Toulon, and Bour- 
deaux, and even in many instances from Genoa, and the 
ports of the Adriatic, was highly reprehensible in the 
government of a civihzed country. It is known that 
the whole of France, during the late wars, and I 
believe its dependencies in Europe, were divided into 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 281 

squares about two leagues each way ; and at the inter- 
section of all the lines forming these squares, or as 
nearly as possible, a brigade of gens d' armes was 
stationed. If a small detachment of prisoners, not 
exceeding eight or ten, were to be sent from Toulon for 
instance, to Givet in the Ardennes, they were put under 
escort of two mounted gens d' armes ; were generally 
handcuffed in pairs, and sometimes in addition were made 
fast to each other by a rope, and conducted to the near- 
est brigade, in the line of the destined march; and by 
this forwarded to the next, in the same manner. At 
whatever town or village they were to pass the night, 
they were generally locked up in the common prison; 
from whence they continued the route with the next 
brigade the following morning. Left solely to the gens 
d' armes, it may naturally be supposed, that the treat- 
ment was not always the most humane ; although as 
has been shewn in the course of these pages, there 
were many instances of real kindness and feeling, 
evinced by these men. But it was too often the case, that 
the prisoners being without shoes became so lame as to be 
incapable of marching ; they were then for some time 
driven on at the point of the sabre ; sometimes dragged 
along by being attached to the horse ; and at length, when 
utterly incapable of proceeding, they were deposited in 
the next prison until able to march. These instances, 
unhappily, were but too numerous, as the straggling 
parties of a few individuals were, from time to time, 
passed on from the coast to the interior. One consist- 
ing of a Captain in the navy, an officer of marines, and 
a private gentleman, who had been taken, coming home 



282 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

passengers from America, is too remarkable to be passed 
over. Their names are, Captain Lyall of the navy. Major 
Stanser of the marines, and Mr. Palmer, a private gen- 
tleman of Bermuda. They were landed at one of the 
ports of the western coast of France ; and notwith- 
standing their rank in life, were marched in the same 
manner as common seamen, from brigade to brigade, 
and like them confined in the common prison of the 
place, where they halted for the night ; and upon one 
occasion, after being placed in the Cachot, and shewn 
the straw upon which they had to pass the night, a 
fierce mastiff* was brought into the place, and the pri- 
soners were told that if they lay perfectly quiet during 
the night they would not be molested; but if they 
attempted to get up the dog would seize them; and as 
a proof of this not being only mentioned to alarm them, 
whenever they rustled the straw, the dog began to 
growl. The situation of the prisoners, during the long 
night, may be imagined. Complaint was made of this 
treatment by these gentlemen on their arrival at Ver- 
dun, but no redress was granted them. 

" No Gooner had the prisoners in general been de- 
prived of the assistance and countenance of their 
officers, than the old system of suttlers and wretched- 
ness was renewed, and this state of things, aggravated 
by hopelessness, was the lot of the increasing numbers 
added to the depots by successive captures, from 1805 
to the end of the war in 1814." 

Tn committing this record to paper, Captain Brenton 
states that he considered he was in the performance of 
an imperative duty ; and, whilst he expressed the grateful 



Chap, IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 283 

sense of the many acts of kindness, received from indi- 
viduals, he felt called upon to substantiate the statement 
he has already made, respecting the sufferings of the 
prisoners, from the inadequacy of the supplies granted, 
and the measures adopted by the French government 
for the maintenance of those whom the fate of war had 
thrown into their hands. It is also much to be wished, 
that if there were any just causes of complaint with re- 
gard to the treatment experienced by the French prison- 
ers in England, the charges should be brought forward in 
a tangible shape, that they also might be enquired into, 
and a remedy applied when necessary. But these must 
not be such wretched garbled statements as those of 
General Fillet, to whose own countrymen an appeal 
might be safely made, with the most perfect assurance 
of their pronouncing the whole work to be totally un- 
true. I have endeavoured to view the question in such 
a manner, that a judgment might be formed, as to all 
its bearings, and I now leave it, in the sanguine hope 
that many, many years may elapse, before the two 
nations are again placed in relations of hostility against 
each other ; and that should such an event unhappily 
recur, they both may have a watchful eye over their 
prisoners, considering their honour as well as their 
conscience pledged to protect those who can have no 
other protection. 

Captain Brenton, as to the particular cause of his 
own unexpected release from captivity, gives in his 
private memoranda the following account. " A nephew 
of Marshal Massena, Captain L'lnfernet, had been taken 
in the battle of Trafalgar, in the command of the French 



284 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

ship of the line, L'Tntrepide. Massena had been 
making great efforts to procure his exchange ; but the 
Admiralty, whilst they expressed their readiness to 
accede to this exchange, stated their determination to 
accept of no other officer but myself, whom they con- 
sidered from the priority of my capture, to be unjusti- 
fiably detained in France, whilst other officers had 
been liberated, and that without any reason having 
been assigned for it. Buonaparte having no reason to 
believe that our government would relax from this 
determination, ordered my passport to be sent to me. 
It soon appeared by letters from France, that I had 
had a very narrow escape of being detained even at 
Morlaix. A small package containing copies of official 
correspondence, which I had with me in the carriage, 
and which was kept uppermost in order to prevent any 
suspicion, that they were intended to be concealed; 
Avas by accident either dropped from the carriage, 
or left at some inn on the road. It was found and 
forwarded to the Capital of the Department ; where the 
principal authority, as a provisional measure, sent off 
an express to Morlaix to detain me ; whilst the papers 
were forwarded to the Bureau de la guerre at Paris, 
where the order for detention was confirmed. We had 
however got beyond the Castle of Morlaix before the 
order arrived, and had no sooner passed it, than we 
felt ourselves safe within the limits of the British 
Empire." 

This period of the narrative then which includes his 
captivity in France is thus closed, and if some details 
which seem irrelevant, and some particulars which seem 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 285 

trivial have been introduced, the Editor still feels that 
their insertion is justified bj the degree in which they 
exhibit the character of the subject of the memoir, or 
unfold the process by which that character was formed. 
There can be no doubt, that both to mind and body, 
this period of detention was eminently useful ; and 
this recollection may have a tendency to reconcile 
others, who, in the course of war, may be exposed to a 
similar calamity, to the present privations of their lot, 
by considering its general consequences, and its final 
effects. In the case of Sir Jahleel Brenton it is but 
too probable, that if this long interval of forced repose 
had not occurred, his constitution would never have 
recovered from the effects of the accident he suffered, 
while fitting out the Minerve ; and that the excitement 
of active service would have destroyed a system so shat- 
tered as his was. It is still more probable, that active 
employment in his profession, whether successful or 
unsuccessful, would have prevented much of that moral 
improvement, that growth in grace and knowledge of 
the Lord Jesus, which we have seen going on silently 
and gradually in the retirement of his captivity. 

That he would have been under other circumstances, 
a man whom the world would have admired, a noble 
minded, hberal, benevolent and gallant ofiSicer, is cer- 
tain ; but that he would have grown into the reality 
of the Christian character, that he would have learnt 
the state of his own heart, and his need of a Saviour ; 
that he would have felt the real value of the Gospel, 
and known it to be the power of God unto salvation in 
them that believe, is more than questionable. We 



286 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

may therefore admit, that God in mercy withdrew him 
from labours for which he was unfit, and from delusions 
which could not have been resisted ; and placed him 
for a time in a situation, where body and mind were to 
regain their healthy tone; and where the means for 
more extensive usefulness were to be acquired. 

But captivity is a bitter trial to an ardent and 
ambitious spirit ; and we cannot doubt that there were 
moments, when the iron entered into his soul, and the 
necessity of submitting to a lot which extinguished all 
his hopes, was a severe burden to a faith as yet but 
imperfectly developed. In many instances likewise we 
have seen that the bitterness of captivity was aggrava- 
ted by the treatment the prisoners were exposed to, 
and the oppression they suffered ; and each of these 
cases must have provoked the indignant feelings of 
officers, who were conscious of deserving the respect 
even of their enemies. 

There were however bright exceptions, and these 
exceptions deserve the more notice as they occurred in 
decided opposition to the spirit of the government, and 
probably would have provoked the displeasure of the 
Emperor, if he had become acquainted with them ; 
and his displeasure generally found prompt and ample 
means for exhibiting itself 

Among the individuals to be named with respect on 
this account is M. Decres, the Minister of Marine. 
Intimately associated as he was with the government, 
he always seems to have attended to the representa- 
tions made by Captain Brenton, and to have made 
every exertion in his favour that could have been 



Chap. IX. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 287 

expected. M. Decres at the moment probably yielded 
to the sympathy which one brave man has for 
another, and gladly alleviated, according to his oppor- 
tunities, the sufferings of an officer whose gallantry en- 
titled him to respect ; but he did not foresee that the 
kindness he shewed to a British officer, was to be the 
occasion of multipUed kindnesses to his own countrymen; 
and that many a French heart was to be gladdened by 
the consolations he procured for a single English one. 

The Editor therefore feels great pleasure in inserting 
here extracts from some familiar letters written at a 
later period, which shew how the circumstances of this 
captivity were remembered, and the way in which the 
courtesies of M. Decres were requited. 

" Spabtan, orr Toulon, 'Noy. 3, 1807. 

" , . . . You may remember how determined I was 
to wreak my vengeance upon the whole nation. At Malta I was 
senior officer, and I found a number of French prisoners. I did 
not exactly order them to the Appel twice a day, as used to be the 
case with us at Verdun. A colonel had been taken with all his 
family a few days before, and had lost his wife at sea, leaving him 
with three dear little infants. You may stare, but I gave him 
leave to return to France with his family and his physician. This 
I meant as a small token of remembrance to M. Decres, but firmly 
resolved that all the others should remain until all our friends at 
Verdun were liberated ; but like other good resolutions this was 
not a lasting one. A deputation of captive ladies waited upon me. 

* Messieurs les Anglais, sont des gens pleins d' honneur, qui ne 
font jamais la guerre aux femmes ni aux enfans.' ' Eh de grace, 
Mesdames retournez dens votre patrie, je ne vous empeche pas.* 

* Helas, mon Commandant, sans mon Mari ? Le deserterai je 
dans le malheur ? Que deviendrai' je, s'il succombe sous le poids 



288 MEMOIR OF Chap. IX. 

de I'adversite ? Sa Sante est cliancelante, et Monsieur n'ignore pas 
la douceur d'etre dans le sein de sa famille.' ' Madame, je me 
rends, a vos raisons, partez vous et votre mari.' ^ Et le mien aussi 
Monsieur ? Vite, vite ; allez, allez !' In this manner I was coaxed 
out of a dozen ; they all set out vowing eternal gratitude," &c. 

" Spartan, off Toulon, August 8. 

" . . . . On Friday we had one of the prettiest sporting 
days I ever remember. A frigate came out of Toulon with a con- 
voy, and we gave chase to her. She ran between the Hieres Is- 
lands, round Cape Taillet, and into the gulf of Grimaud, where 
she anchored under the citadel of St. Tropez, and escaped. We 
however cut off two of her convoy, and were very near getting 
hold of a man of war brig, but the breezes failed us. I landed all 
my prisoners with their property, charmed as they said, ^ De 
1' honnetete de M. le Commandant de la fregate, et qu'ils ne man- 
queroient pas d'en faire une mention honourable au prefet maritime 
de r arrondissement.' I told them they might thank M. Decres 
for it, for his attention to me, and I hope he will hear of it, as I 
shall never forget his kindness." 

War no doubt is a great evil, but when war is carried 
on in this spirit it loses something of its sufferings, and 
much of its horrors ; and one may be forgiven for dwell- 
ing with pleasure on those gleams of light which kind- 
ness of heart and liberality cast across the dark and 
melancholy period of those protracted hostihties. 



Chap, X, SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 289 



CHAPTER X. 



ARHIVAL IN ENGLAND, AND APPLICATION TO THE ADMIRALTY. — KINDNESS OF THE 
FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY, MR. GRENVILLE. — COURT MARTIAL, ACQUITTAL, 
AND APPOINTMENT TO THE SPARTAN. — SAILS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. — 
ESCAPE FROM CAPTURE. — BOAT ACTION WITH ITS UNFORTUNATE RESULT, AND 
COURT OF ENQUIRY ORDERED BY LORD COLLINGWOOD. 



" The day after our arrival at Dartmouth, as my beloved 
Isabella required repose, after the fatigue and anxiety 
she had so long been exposed to, I left her at Upton, 
near Brixham, vs^ith our kind and hospitable friend, Mrs. 
Cutler ;'"' and proceeded to London, in order to make 
my appearance at the Admiralty as soon as possible. 
Mr. Thomas Grenville, then first Lord, received me in 
the most cordial manner, and asked me under existing 
circumstances how the Admiralty could best shew their 
sympathy for my misfortunes, and their approbation of 
my conduct. I replied that T was not aware of any 
thing their Lordships could do, until my court martial 
for the loss of the Minerve, should have taken place. 
Mr. Grenville replied, this had also been his apprehen- 
sion, but he was at a loss to know how the court martial 

* One of Mrs. Cutler's sons had been taken in the Minerve as a Mid- 
shipman. 

U 



290 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

could be held, since the officers being all prisoners in 
France, no adequate witnesses could be found. I ob- 
served, that I knew many of the seamen and marines 
had made their escape, and might probably be found 
serving in some of His Majesty's ships. A doubt still 
remained, whether the evidence of these men without 
that of any officer, would be deemed sufficient. Mr- 
Grenville however placed me in the hands of the 
clerk of the Record office, desiring I should have access 
to any documents I might wish to examine. After tra- 
velhng through many folios, I discovered the case of 
Captain Craycroft, who in the preceding war had been 
captured by the French, and whose witnesses upon his 
court martial were, the surgeon and a midshipman 
I immediately communicated this, by a message, to Mr. 
Grenville His answer was, ' Good, try again :' and 
soon after, the case of Captain Brey, of the Hound, on 
whose trial a midshipman and a boatswain's mate only 
appeared, was deemed conclusive by Mr. Grenville. 
An order was immediately issued by the Admiralty to 
all the commanders in chief on the home stations for an 
enquiry to be made in the ships under their respective 
commands, for any men who had been captured in the 
Minerve, and might have made their escape from France ; 
and that in the event of any such being found, they 
should be immediately sent to the flag ship, at Ports- 
mouth, and their names be reported to the Admiralty. 
In the course of a few days, six were reported, two 
boatswain's mates, and four seamen, and marines." 
The order was immediately issued for the court martial 
on Captain Brenton, to be held on board the Gladiator, 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 291 

in Portsmouth Harbour; and it is hardly necessary to 
add, that the sentence of the court was the honourable 
acquittal of the Captain of the Minerve. 

Immediately after the conclusion of the court mar- 
tial, Captain Brenton having obtained a copy of the 
sentence, proceeded forthwith to London, and waited 
upon Mr. Grenville, who most kindly said, " We have 
been quite prepared for the nature of the sentence, and 
I have been only waiting to receive it officially, before 
I should attend to rather an extraordinary request, 
made by a brother officer of yours, who has begged 
that he may be permitted to resign the command of a 
fine frigate, just built and fitted out, and full manned. 
I can now grant his request, and make you the offer 
of becoming his successor." Captain Br en ton's joy may 
be imagined at this most gratifying instance of the 
First Lord's approbation. He certainly did look for- 
ward to employment, at no very distant period ; but the 
utmost he could expect was to have a frigate to fit out. 
Here was one of a superior description, all ready for 
immediate service. He lost no time in taking com- 
mand, having joined her on the 10th February; the 
Spartan being then under orders to sail the moment the 
wind would permit, with the East India convoy. 

In his private journal he says, " I left my beloved 
Isabella only five days before your birth, my dear 
Charles. I should most gladly have waited till that 
anxious period was over ; but my ship was under sail- 
ing orders, and I left your mother under the care of 
the merciful Providence of Him, who never deserted 
her while on earth, and to whom we may now humbly 



292 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

and firmly hope she has gone. I had soon the happi- 
ness of knowing she was well, and thankful for 
this additional blessing bestowed upon us, I sailed to 
the Mediterranean, without one legitimate subject of 
anxiety; on the contrary, nothing but happiness in the 
retrospect, and the most cheerful prospects before me" 
He adds; "A few days after T joined the Spartan, my 
convoy was transferred to the charge of another Cap- 
tain ; and the Commissioner's yacht came alongside 
my ship with £700,000 in cash; and orders for me 
to take it immediately to IVIalta. Here was another 
act of kindness on the part of Mr. Grenville. He found 
in this commission an opportunity of indemnifying me 
for my losses and expenses in France, of which he im- 
mediately availed himself. For some time all payments 
to the Captains of ships of war for carrying cash had 
been discontinued, but it was thought proper to resume 
it at this period ; and the Admiralty recommended to 
the Treasurer, this as a fit occasion. The sum of half 
per cent, was in consequence allowed for the future, 
and this gave me £llOO.'' 

Contrary winds detained Captain Brenton at Spit- 
head till the 2nd of March, when he sailed with a 
strong N. E. wind, in company with Sir Thomas Lavie, 
in the Blanche. The latter, being under orders to 
cruize on the coast of France, kept close in with the 
French shore, and was unfortunately wrecked the same 
night in the bight of Abervrach. Sir Thomas was a 
member of Captain Brenton's court martial, and little 
thought at that time, how soon it would be his turn to 
succeed him as a prisoner in France. The Spartan 



I 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 293 

necessarily keeping the channel course, was not ex- 
posed to this danger. She was off Lisbon on the 7th 
day, having orders to call off that place, but having 
carried away her main yard in a heavy squall, off the 
bar, bore up for Lisbon, sending the Lively, Captain 
Mackinlay, who was cruising off the coast of Portugal, 
to communicate with the British Minister. The 
Spartan had under convoy one transport laden with 
arms and ammunition for Sicily ; the master of which, 
notwithstanding the most positive orders not to part 
company with the Spartan, bore up in the night, 
whilst they were laying to, waiting for daylight, off 
the mouth of the Tagus, and on the following night ran 
on shore off San Lucar, near Cadiz, although having a 
fair wind for Gibraltar, which was the place of rendez- 
vous, in case of parting company by accident. The ship 
was soon taken possession of by the Spaniards ; but before 
they could get even a small portion of her cargo out of 
her, she was boarded by the boats of the Malta, com- 
manded by Captain Buller, and burnt. The Spartan 
arrived in two days after at Gibraltar, and having got 
a new main yard, and taken on board a small additional 
sum of money for Malta, proceeded to Messina, where 
she arrived about the middle of March. From thence 
she proceeded to Malta to deliver the money destined 
for that place, but did not go into the harbour, remain- 
ing off only a few hours, and then made sail for 
Palermo. At the very moment of her departure an 
awful event occurred at Malta. A corps, which had 
been raised in the Morea, and generally called the 
Spartan corps (the coincidence was much remarked 



294 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

upon as very singular) mutinied ; and having got pos- 
session of the Fort Ricasoli, determined upon re- 
sistance, until such time as what they called their 
grievances were redressed. These were that they 
should be allowed to retain the lower part of their 
Greek dress, instead of wearing the tight trowsers so 
abhorrent to a Greek. They had no objection to the 
jacket, but they could not endure the labour of cleaning 
their arms, or pipe-claying their belts, &c. A Greek will 
be as active as any one while on actual duty, but when 
that is over, he considers the time his own, and is more 
disposed to pass it sleeping in the sun than in any 
other manner. These men, having seized the Fort 
Ricasoli, were not only determined to defend them- 
selves, but became the assailants, and turning the 
mortars of the fortress towards La Valette, began throw- 
ing shells into it. Providentially having no knowledge 
themselves of this branch of warfare, they were obliged 
to compel some artillery officers whom they had made 
prisoners in the fortress to direct the bombardment; 
and these officers under the pretence of intimidation, 
gladly availed themselves of the opportunity of throw- 
ing the shells over the city into the quarantine harbour, 
which from the knowledge of the scale of the fortifica- 
tions they were enabled to do with great accuracy. 
The shells consequently fell harmless. When the 
mutineers saw that such measures were taken by the 
General, as must insure the reduction of the fortress in 
a few hours, they came to the desperate resolution of 
drawing lots who should blow up the magazine, and who 
should stand at tlie entrance, to convey the last signal 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 295 

of the explosion, both of whom must necessarily perish. 
Those who drew the lots took their stations accordingly, 
and the remainder of the Greeks having taken such 
measures as they deemed best to enable them to get 
over the wall ; the signal was given, and a most tre- 
mendous explosion took place, doing considerable 
damage to the dockyard, and parts adjacent. In the 
confusion occasioned by this unexpected event, nearly 
the whole of the mutineers succeeded in getting out of 
the fortress, and dispersed themselves over the island, 
in the hope of being able to procure boats and to escape ; 
but precautions had been too effectually taken to allow 
of this ; every point was guarded, and in the course of a 
few hours every man was taken. A court martial was 
instantly assembled, and a great number were con- 
demned to death ; many were executed, and the re- 
mainder sent back to the Morea. It is much to be 
lamented that the national feelings of these people 
had been so unnecessarily outraged. They maintained 
to the last that they enlisted under the express condi- 
tion, that their costume should not be interfei'ed with, 
and that they should not be obliged to clean and polish 
accoutrements. When however the usual manoeuvres 
of a recruiting serjeant are taken into consideration, 
it is not improbable that even greater exemptions than 
these might have been promised ; but a Greek is not 
a man to be tampered with aay more than a Malay. 

The Spartan found a squadron lying at Palermo, con- 
sisting of the Windsor Castle, and four other ships of 
the line, which had been sent there at the request of the 
king of Sicily, and were under the command of Captain, 



296 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

afterwards Rear Admiral Boyle. A gale of wind of 
most extraordinary violence came on, whilst tlie Spar- 
tan was with them. The wind was from the southward, 
and therefore directly off the land, from which the 
squadron were not a mile distant. In consequence of 
this, the sea had no space to get up in ; but notwithstand- 
ing that a dense spray was lifted up from the water, 
called by seamen, " a spoon drift,'^ which lay along the 
surface as even as though it were a sheet of snow. 
Whilst walking the deck Captain Brenton was surprised 
by a sharp sound like a mast going, and looking forward, 
saw the jib fly up the stay like lightning, and imme- 
diately shiver to atoms. By some accident the down 
haul had not been made fast in the forecastle, and the 
wind getting into the head of the jib, carried it up like 
lightning. No other damage however was done, although 
the Eagle was for some time in danger, having been 
close under Monte Pelegrino. The gale was of short 
duration, and in a few hours was succeeded by fine 
weather. 

On the 1 6th of April the Spartan sailed for Toulon, 
where she was ordered to watch the motions of the 
French fleet; and the wind being from the westward 
Captain Brenton i^an along the coast of Italy. When 
just between the east coast of Corsica and the Italian 
shore, he fell in with an American ship, the Urania, 
Hector Coffin, master, and Greene of Rhode Island 
supercargo. Captain Brenton, on sending a boat to 
examine this neutral ship, gave particular directions to 
the lieutenant charged with this duty, to pay every pos- 
sible attention to the feelings of the people, and to avoid 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 297 

giving offence to the master or crew. The search took 
place, and as there was some deviation from the regu- 
lations laid down for the conduct of Neutrals by his 
Majesty's orders in council, Captain Brenton sent for 
the master on board the Spartan, requesting he would 
bring his log book with him. On his coming on board 
Captain Brenton explained to him the necessity of this 
measure; with which the master and supercargo ex- 
pressed themselves perfectly satisfied, as well as with 
the kindness and delicacy with which they had been 
treated by the visiting officer. It was at this time 
nearly calm, so that no detention took place ; and when 
the breeze sprang up, the American voluntarily steered 
for some time the same com^se with the Spartan. This 
was on the 27th of April. 

On the 8th of May the Spartan again fell in with the 
same ship, between Sardinia and the Island of Ponza ; 
and her being so near the spot where she had been 
eleven days before having excited surprise, she was 
again examined; and on looking over her log book to 
ascertain the cause of her having made so little pro- 
gress, being hardly forty leagues from where she had been 
first seen. Captain Brenton was surprised to find a 
detail of her having been boarded, on the 27th of April, 
by the Spartan, worked up to the most rancorous pitch 
of exaggeration; stating that on that day they were 
boarded by the English frigate Spartan, had been 
forced out of their course, that the master was dragged 
on board with his papers, and that the hatches were 
broken open, kc. On Captain Brenton remonstrating 



298 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

with the master and supercargo, upon the unmanhness 
of inserting such falsehoods in the ship's book, for no 
other purpose than that of exciting enmity between the 
two countries, whose mutual interests led them to the 
cultivation of peace ; and reminding them of the declara- 
tion they had both made in the cabin of the Spartan on 
the day alluded to, as to the kindness and civility with 
which they had been treated by the lieutenant of that 
ship, who had boarded them ; they both appeared over- 
whelmed with confusion, acknowledged the justice of 
Captain Brenton's observation, laid the blame upon the 
mate, whom they charged with having inserted the offen- 
sive passage without their knowledge, and promised 
that it should not be made public in America. It is not 
likely that a Neutral trading amongst belligerents should 
pay so little attention to a document of such vital im- 
portance as the log ; and that neither master nor super- 
cargo should inspect it. This affair was the subject of 
an official communication from Captain Brenton to his 
senior officer, and of another to the Secretary of Lloyd's 
Coffee house. 

On the 23rd of x\pril the Spartan captured a small 
French xebec, on the coast of Italy. The year had not 
expired since tlie conversation which has been related 
took place between Captain Brenton and Dr. Grey, at 
Tours. Dr. Grey had been appointed surgeon of the 
Spartan, at Captain Brenton's request, and he received 
in consequence the promised Encyclopedia. Captain 
Brenton says, " Shortly after this I was again preserved 
from captivity by a merciful Providence, which rescued 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 299 

US from the enemy's squadron, when every hope of suc- 
cess seemed to have left us." The particulars of this 
escape are contained in the following letter. 

"Spartan, off Toulon, May, 1807. 

" Sir, 

" I have the honour to mform you, that at noon 
on the 27th ultimo, the westward end of Elba, bearing N.E. we 
made sail in chase of four vessels to the southward, which at half- 
past five we observed to be ships of war, and made the private 
signal, which was not answered ; and wishing to ascertain exactly 
what they were, I continued standing towards them until half-past 
six, when they bore up by signal in chase of us. We could at 
this time see their hulls from the deck, and perceived one to be of 
the line, two frigates, and a corvette. We tacked, and stood from 
them, but they gained fast upon us, as they had a fresh breeze 
from the westward: at eight, it fell nearly calm, and continued so 
all night. At day-break we saw the enemy bearing W. by N. 
about six miles, The south end of Capraia being at the same time 
W.S. W. about four miles. Upon a light breeze, springing up from 
the eastward, I made sail to the northward, in the hope of being 
able to escape round the island, which the frigates and corvette 
endeavoured to prevent, by running to leeward of Capraia, whilst 
the ship of the line hauled round the south end in chase of us. We 
had light and partial breezes until noon, when one frigate and the 
corvette bore west, about two miles from us, with a fresh breeze 
from the southward; the other frigate further off in the S.W. and 
the line of battle ship off the south end of Capraia, bringing up the 
rear. She had a very light air from the southward, but I saw the 
necessity of making every effort to get to the westward, as the only 
chance of escaping, and hauled immediately athwart the headmost 
frigate : upon our near approach the breeze appeared to fail her. 

" At twenty minutes after twelve she opened her fire, and con- 
tinued it for an hour and ten minutes. As I observed that the light 
breeze she had was destroyed by her firing, we did not return a 



300 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

gun,* but kept a steady course until we had brought the enemy to 
bear south, when we bore up north, leaving hira the choice of 
yawing to continue his fire, or to confine it to his bow guns. He 
preferred the former, by which means he lost so much way, that 
we were soon out of gun shot ; the other frigate could not ap- 
proach, and the corvette avoided us. 

" Providentially we received no damage, although exposed for 
a considerable time to a point blank fire, scarcely going two knots; 
but few shot struck us. I have the greatest reason to be pleased 
with the steadiness and good conduct of the officers and people un- 
der my command. 

" At half-past five, having a fresh breeze from the S. W. we had 
gained so far upon the enemy that they left off" chase by signal; 
the Commodore shortening sail, and hauling round the north end 
of Capraia. 

" From a Neapolitan pilot I had on board I learn that this is a 
French squadron from Genoa, as he says, he knows of ships of this 
description, viz. one of the line, two frigates, and four corvettes, 
being fitted out there. We chased one corvette off" the island of 
Piglio, on the 26th ultimo; and the other two, I was informed by 
an American, are employed with convoys between Genoa and 
Toulon. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

"JAHLEEL BRENTON." 
"Charles Rowley, Esq." 

On the return of the French squadron to Toulon the 
Captain of one of the frigates was broke for his conduct ; 
but it is not known whether this was the Captain of the 
the Pomone, who lost the opportunity of bringing the 



impatience with which the sailors obeyed iny brother's orders not to fire 
in return for the enemy's shot; observing, as he says, that their fire de- 
prived them of the breeze. The sailors were heard to say that they did 
not so much care for themselves, but it was too hard their poor captain 
should so soon be shut up in a French prison again." F. B. 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 301 

British frigate to close action, or the Commander of the 
Incorruptible for not joining in the attack upon her. 

After this narrow escape, the Spartan proceeded off 
Toulon in pursuance of her orders. Captain Brenton's 
object was to have reconnoitred that port, in order to 
ascertain correctly the enemy's force, ready for sea, or 
under equipment; but he was chased off by a French 
line of battle ship. He returned the next day, and 
made out that there were only four ships of war in the 
outer road, two of which were of the line, with several 
fitting in the inner road. He considered it of impor- 
tance that the senior officer at Palermo should be in- 
formed of the state of the enemy's squadron in Toulon ; 
and therefore availing himself of a strong westerly wind 
bore up for that place, running through the straits of 
Bonifacio, where he fell in with the Sirius. Captain 
Prouse proceeded to Palermo with the information, and 
the Spartan directed her course to Ponza, with an 
account of the French squadron being at sea; in order 
to put the garrison on that island, and the island of 
Capri, on their guard. Captain Brenton says, " The 
Spartan now proceeded on her return to Toulon; but 
on the following day met with a disaster, which, in my 
estimation, far exceeded in severity any that had ever 
befallen me, in the whole course of my professional 
career. When off Nice, in the morning of the 1 4th of 
May, we gave chase to a polacre ship, which we con- 
tinued with light and variable winds until near sunset, 
when it became perfectly calm ; the chase being still at 
the distance of six or seven miles, but the weather so 
clear that she was distinctly made out to be a mer- 



302 MEMOIR OF Chap, X. 

chant vessel. The officers entreated me to send the 
boats, which I was unwiUing to do, in consequence of a 
recent order from the Commander in chief, not to send 
any boats where they could not be protected by their 
ship ; an order that was clearly pointed as an inju- 
rious practice, which had crept in amongst the cruisers, 
of sending away boats to a considerable distance, to 
conceal themselves on points of the coast, in order to 
capture the trading vessels, whilst their own ships were 
out of sight of the land. Upon this occasion the dis- 
tance of the chase was not an hour's pulling ; and I 
determined to send such a force as I considered would 
put all resistance out of the question, and ensure the 
return of the boats early in the morning. I accordingly 
ordered out the barge, launch, and two other boats under 
the command of first and second lieutenants, and man- 
ned by volunteers, consequently by the best men in the 
ship. A light breeze having sprung up before the boats 
came up with the polacre, she had availed herself of it, 
to get close in with the land near Nice ; and upon ap- 
proaching they discovered that she had a tier of guns. 
I had given the most positive orders to the first lieutenant 
not to attack her, should she prove a vessel of force ; 
but this gallant young man, considering she could not 
be viewed in this light, when the number of his men 
and boats was calculated, at once decided upon making 
a dash, and ordering the second lieutenant with one boat 
to board on the larboard side, he, with the others, im- 
mediately pulled up on the starboard, and commenced 
the attack. They were received with the utmost cool- 
ness by the enemy, who poured such a destructive fire 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 303 

into the boats, that crowded as they were, it produced a 
most disastrous effect, and prevented them effectually 
from boarding. Both the lieutenants fell at the first fire, 
covered with wounds; the second, with his midshipman 
and many of the boat^s crew, were killed upon the spot, 
as were many in the first lieutenant's division, and 
indeed each boat was filled with killed and wounded. 
The survivors made a gallant but ineffectual attempt to 
board ; but they were too much reduced in number to suc- 
ceed; and the boats on both sides letting go their hold, 
the polacre passed on a-head with a light breeze, keep- 
ing up a continued fire of musketry while within reach. 

" From the very heavy fire which was opened upon 
the boats on their getting alongside, and laying their 
oars in, for the purpose of boarding; a fire, which had 
been judiciously reserved for that critical moment ; it 
was concluded that assistance must have been sent to 
them from the coast, as it was scarcely possible that the 
crew of a merchant vessel could have composed such an 
effective volley. The vessel was some months after cap- 
tured by Lord Cochrane, in the Imperieuse. The people 
denied having received any assistance on this occasion ; 
and we are therefore bound to give them full credit for 
their most gallant defence. 

" All eyes from the Spartan were of course directed 
to the quarter in which the boats were chasing; and it 
was not until one minute past ten that a slight scintilla- 
tion of firing was observed, without any report. This 
soon after ceased, and not a doubt existed in the mind 
of any one on board the Spartan, that the attack had 
been successful. We had now got the breeze, and were 



304 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

steering for the scene of action, every one expecting to 
see the polacre approaching with the boats accompany- 
ing her, but a most melancholy disappointment awaited 
us. The oars of a boat were at length heard. When 
within reach of the boat she was hailed ; and the answer 
told the melancholy tale of their defeat, and that the 
boats were all on their return filled with the dead and 
dying. The following was the sad list of sufferers : — 
Killed, one lieutenant, two midshipmen, twenty-four 
seamen: wounded, one lieutenant (mortally), and thirty- 
seven seamen ; scarcely ten men out of about seventy 
being untouched. The dead were laid side by side 
on the main deck, in order to be prepared for burial, 
being sewed up in hammocks. The wounded were 
carried into my cabin, the only part of the ship where 
there was sufficient space for their accommodation in 
dressing their wounds ; and while this was doing, which 
took up the greater part of the night, the lower deck 
was prepared for their reception ; all the hammocks, 
mess tables, and chests being removed for the purpose ; 
a measure which became absolutely necessary in that 
warm climate, lest the air below, infected by the 
numbers wounded, should have generated disease 
amongst the healthy part of the ship's company. The 
number of these was so much diminished by this fatal 
event, that there was little difficulty in finding accom- 
modation for them under the half deck and forecastle ; 
so that the whole extent of the Spartan's 'tween decks 
became a most convenient and well ventilated hospital. 
On the following morning the dead were brought up 
for burial, and arranged along the starboard waste 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 305 

hamDiocks, with a man to each, for the purpose of 
launching the body overboard at the proper time ; the 
bodies of the second Heutenant and his midshipman 
were in coffins at the gangway. I could with difficulty 
get through the mournful service, and at the words 
' commit their bodies to the deep/ when the whole were 
launched into the ocean, an universal sensation was 
experienced by the ship's company. The effect may be 
imagined, but it cannot be described. Four and twenty 
active young men in the prime of life, in all the energy 
of the seaman's character, buoyant with spirits and 
health only a few hours before, now gone to their awful 
account. This was indeed an awakening scene, and 
undoubtedly left a deep, although perhaps but a tran- 
sitory impression on all who witnessed it." 

To keep the sea under such circumstances was out 
of the question. Captain Brenton, however, did not 
quit his station until he had made another effort to get 
off Toulon, where he hoped to have fallen in with the 
British squadron under Captain Rowley, and also that 
he might carry the latest intelligence of the state of 
the enemy's ships in that part. But on the 1 7tli the 
Spartan was again chased off from Cape Sicie by a 
French ship of the line, and two frigates, but as she 
considerably out-sailed them, they hauled their wind in 
for the land; and Captain Brenton made the best of 
his way for Malta, where he arrived on the 24th, hav- 
ing providentially very fine weather, smooth water, and 
light breezes, so that the wounded were under as 
favourable circumstances as possible. They were 
enabled to keep the scuttles on the lower deck con- 

X 



306 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

stantly open ; and the value of this ventilation may be 
estimated when it is stated, that such were the effluvia 
coming from the lower deck in consequence of the 
wounds, that it was found most unpleasant to all who 
were looking over the gangway. 

" The severe fatigue and anxiety experienced by Dr. 
Grey, the surgeon, upon this occasion, had such an 
eifect upon his health, that he was under the necessity 
of leaving the Spartan, and retiring from the navy." 

There are two circumstances connected with this 
melancholy catastrophe, which are too interesting to 
be passed over in silence. One relates to the midship- 
man who was killed in the boat, with the Second Lieu- 
tenant, (Mr. Williams.) He was the son of Admiral 
Christie, and had been placed under the particular care 
of Captain Brenton. On the 23rd of April, when the 
boats were sent in, to cut out a vessel, young Christie re- 
quested he might be of the party, to which Captain Bren- 
ton readily assented, as it was his practice to give every 
youngster, however young, an opportunity of shewing 
what he was made of, (according to the professional 
phrase) ; and having done this, he seldom allowed them 
to be exposed in the boats again, until they had attained 
the age of sixteen, when they took their turn with the 
others. Christie conducted himself upon this occasion 
like a fine gallant boy, and gave great promise of future 
distinction. On his coming on board the Captain ex- 
pressed himself well satisfied with his conduct, and said, 
'' Now Christie, as you have established your character, 
do not ask me again to let you go on any more boat 
expeditions, until you are more than sixteen ; for I shall 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 307 

certainly refuse you." Notwithstanding this warning, 
when the boats were preparing to go after the polacre, 
Christie came up, and begged he might be of the party ; 
but was decidedly refused. It appeared afterwards 
that the Second Lieutenant, (Mr. Williams) an officer 
of great merit, and for whom Captain Brenton enter- 
tained the highest regard, thoughtlessly suggested to 
the poor boy that he should run forward, and get into 
the boat unseen by the Captain, under the bows ; pro- 
mising to receive him into his own boat, and accord- 
ingly he did so. The consequence was, that the Lieu- 
tenant and his young friend both fell together at the 
first fire from the polacre. Captain Brenton suffered 
great affliction upon this occasion, but thoughtless and 
inexcusable as poor Williams's conduct was, it never 
weakened his regard for his memory; attributing it 
to the motive by which he was undoubtedly influenced, 
a warm admiration for the display of gallantry in one 
so young, and the feeling that this very gallantry would 
be the boy^s apology for disobedience. 

The other circumstance is of a very romantic descrip- 
tion, and is given in Captain Brenton's own words. 
" The coxswain of the barge, reported among the 
killed and wounded, was a very fine active young man, 
and had been indulged with the permission to bring 
his wife on board the ship. She was very young at this 
period, and the attachment between the couple was very 
remarkable, as well as the respect they obtained from all 
on board from the correctness of their conduct, which was 
in every respect exemplary. On the boats returning, 



308 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

and the report of Boclie's death, (for such was his 
name,) his poor little wife was frantic with grief, and 
flew from one part of the ship to another, with the 
most agonizing shrieks When the dead were placed 
on the main deck, she fl.ew to them, uncovering their 
faces, and calling out for her husband. She then ran 
up, and took her seat on the coxswain's box, in the 
barge, which had now been hoisted in, calhng for her 
husband ; and from thence to the Captain on the quar- 
ter deck, imploring him to let her see the body. Call- 
ing for some of the people who were in the barge, upon 
whom the greatest dependence could be placed, 1 
desired to know how Bodie had been killed; when one 
of them said, ' Sir, we were boarding the vessel together 
on the starboard side, and were getting into the main 
chains, when I was wounded and fell into the boat, and 
Bodie at the same time was killed, and fell between the 
boat and the ship.' " The wife was present at this detail, 
and at length seemed convinced of her dreadful loss. 
The greatest attention was paid to her by all on board, 
to alleviate as much as possible her sufferings ; and on 
the arrival of the Spartan at Malta she was received, by 
Captain Brenton's recommendation, into the protection 
of a very respectable family. Her situation excited the 
most lively interest at Malta ; a subscription amounting 
to £80, was made for her; and she soon after sailed for 
England in a Transport, with a letter to Mrs. Brenton 
at Ikith, by whom she was received, and remained with 
her for some time, previous to her departure for Ireland, 
where her mother was living. Captain Brenton also 



I 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 309 

gave her a recommendation to the Committee of the 
Patriotic fund, which obtained for her £50. 

The Spartan having landed her \A^ounded, and refitted, 
proceeded to Messina, in the hopes of procuring a few 
men from the Trade and Transports there. She then con- 
tinued her course for Toulon ; and on approaching the 
Hicres Islands, in the middle of June, we boarded a mer- 
chant vessel from Genoa, from which we received the fol- 
lowing intelligence. " A polacre, it was said, had arrived 
there some weeks previous, which had been attacked by 
the boats of an English frigate, and had succeeded in beat- 
ing them off. When the firing had ceased, the cries of 
a man were heard under the stern, and an English 
sailor was found hanging on by the rudder chains, 
and wounded. On t iking him on board he proved to be 
the coxswain of the frigate's barge ; he stated that he had 
been severely wounded in endeavouring to board the 
polacre, and had fallen between the ship and the boat, 
but as he passed a-stern he had caught hold of the rud- 
der chains, and hung on until the action was over. The 
story added, that on the vessel's arrival at Genoa, the 
man was sent to the hospital; and on his wound being- 
cured, had been marched into France." No doubt now 
existed as to the correctness of this statement, and I im- 
mediately wrote to Verdun, requesting my friends would 
make enquiries as to the depot to which Bodie was 
sent; and on ascertaining his safety, that information 
might be immediately sent to Mrs. Brenton, at Bath, in 
order to her communicating the joyful news to the sup- 
posed widow. In a very few weeks a letter reached 



310 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

Mrs. Brenton from the Rev. L. C. Lee, at Verdun, 
informing her that Bodie had reached that depot, and 
was no sooner known to have been Captain Brenton's 
coxswain, than the greatest interest was manifest in his 
behalf, and permission was procured for him to remain 
there, where every care would be taken of him, and 
that he had quite recovered from his wounds. These 
joyful tidings were soon in the hands of Mrs. Bodie, at 
Cork, whose happiness may be easily imagined.^^ 

On the 18th of June the Spartan resumed her station 
off Toulon, and found the enemy's force considerably 
increased since that port was last reconnoitred ; when 
four sail of the line were ready for sea, but this force was 
now rapidly augmenting. The Spartan was for some 
time the only ship employed in watching the move- 
ments of this squadron, and was frequently chased off 
the land by them ; but as the French were uncertain 
as to the position of the British Squadron, and con- 
cluded they were cruizing out of sight of the coast, 
they seldom ran farther than six or eight leagues from 
Cape Sicie. 

On the commander in chief. Lord Collingwood, 
having received Captain Brenton's account of the dis- 
astrous attack upon the polacre, he gave directions for 
a court of enquiry to be held upon Captain Brenton 
for this affair, consisting of Captains Boyle, Rowley, 
and Fayerman; he directed them also to enquire into 
the circumstances attending the loss of the Transport, 
which came out of England under convoy of the 
Spartan, and which as has been stated, parted company 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 311 

with that ship off Lisbon, and ran on shore near San 

Lucar, where she was taken possession of by the 

Spaniards, but burnt by the boats of the Malta. Tl 

following are the reports made by the Courts of En 

quiry — " Present, 

CAPTAm CHAELES BOYLES, 

FRANCIS FAYERiNIAN, 
CHARLES ROWLEY. 

" The Court, pursuant to an order from Edward 
Thornborough, Esq., Vice Admiral of the Blue, &c. 
dated the 6th day of October, 1807, repaired on board 
H. M. S. Spartan, and there made a strict enquiry 
into the unfortunate result of an attack made by the 
boats of the said ship on a Polacre ship, on the night 
of the ] -4th of May, and the Court is of opinion that 
the Commander in chief's order of the l6th of June, 
1806, on the subject of sending armed boats from the 
ships, has not been deviated from in this instance ; 
as far as their judgment is capable of forming an 
opinion, from the narrative received from Captain 
Jahleel Brenton, and corroborated by the examination 
of the officers that were called before them ; who had 
heard the orders given to the officer commanding the 
detached boats, and who assert that the chase appeared 
to be a merchant vessel, quite becalmed, about five or 
six miles distant, and not near any fort. 

Signed, C. BOYLES, 

F. FAYERMAN, 
C. ROWLEY." 

Then follows the enquiry respecting the Transport — 
"At a Court of enquiry held on board H. jNI. S. 



312 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

Spartan, in Palermo Bay, Wednesday, 7tli of October, 

]807, — Present, 

CAPTAIN C. BOYLES, 

F. FAYERMAN, 
C. ROWLEY. 

" The Court, pursuant to an order from Edward 
Thornborough, Esq., Vice Admiral of the Blue, &c. 
dated 6th October, 1807, being in pursuance of an 
order from the Right Honourable Cuthbert Lord 
CoUingwood, dated 29th of May last, repaired on 
board H. M. S. Spartan, and caUing before the Court 
the commander and officers of the said ship, made a 
strict enquiry and investigation into the cause and 
circumstances of the Mary, Ordnance Transport Ship, 
parting company with the Spartan, when the Captain was 
charged with her safety, and taking into consideration 
the great value, and still greater importance of the 
vessel's cargo. The Court is of opinion, from the 
examination and strict enquiry made of Captain Jahleel 
Brenton, the master, master's mate, the boatswain and 
gunner, the only officers called, two of the Lieutenants 
being dead, and the other Lieutenant at the time in 
his bed, where he had been for some time ; that every 
thing was done on the part of Captain Jahleel Brenton 
to insure the safety of the Mary Ordnance Transport ; 
and the circumstance of the said Transport separating 
from the Spartan, was caused by the carelessness, 
negligence, and bad conduct of the Master of the Mary, 
Ordnance Transport Ship. 

Signed, C. BOYLES, 

F. FAYERMAN, 
C. ROWLEY." 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 313 

This affair being thus settled the Spartan resumed her 
station off Toulon, and soon after the fleet, under the Com- 
mander in chief, Lord Collingwood, arrived off that port. 
On Captain Brenton's going on board the Ocean, his lord- 
ship received him very coolly, and said, " Sir, I am not at 
all satisfied with the report of the Captains who composed 
the Court of Enquiry into your conduct." Captain 
Brenton replied, " and I, my Lord, am not satisfied 
with the nature of the tribunal, before which it took 
place, as I should have preferred a court martial; and 
T have to request you will be pleased to order one to 
assemble now for the purpose of trying me." His 
Lordship replied, "No Sir, that is discretional with 
me, and enough has already been said upon the subject 
of both ; but," continued he, " 1 have another cause of 
complaint to bring against you. How came you, while 
senior officer at Malta, to permit a French Colonel, 
a prisoner of war, to return to France on his parole :" 
adding, " they did not treat you so when you were a 
prisoner." Captain Brenton could not help being 
amused with the gravity of the charge, and the com- 
mentary upon it. He explained that the Colonel in 
question was taken by His Majesty's sloop the Weazle, 
on his passage from the coast of Italy for Corfu in a 
small trabacolo; that the colonel's wife, then on the 
point of being confined, and two very young children 
were with him ; that on the Weazle firing to bring 
the vessel to, the lady was so much alarmed, that she 
was taken in labour, and after giving birth to an infant, 
died : that the three children were with the colonel at 
Malta, and that on a strong recommendation from Sir 



314 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

Alexander Ball, tlie civil commissioner, he. Captain 
Brenton, had taken upon himself to allow the colonel 
to go to Naples on parole, on condition that having 
placed his children in safety, he should return, unless 
exchanged. Such were my reasons,'' added Captain 
Brenton, " and in acting as I did, I thought I was 
only doing, what I am convinced your Lordship would 
have done, had you been there/' This could not draw 
from his Lordship any sign of approbation, although it 
was perfectly true ; for his Lordship, with all his dry- 
ness of manner, and roughness of exterior, had a kind 
and feeling heart, and was a warm and sincere friend. 
His prejudices, it is true, were strong, and not easily 
subdued. He was notwithstanding accessible to con- 
viction, and ready to acknowledge the efforts of those 
officers, whom he knew to have the good of the service 
at heart, however he might differ with them on some 
points. 

As the editor feels that he has undertaken a narra- 
tive of trials and struggles, which, generally speaking, 
pass unobserved and unnoticed by the world, he does 
not deem it irrelevant to call the attention of his 
readers to the peculiar trials which were included in 
the first periods of this service in the mediterranean. 
Of Lord Collingwood it is hardly possible to say too 
much, whether he be considered as an officer or as 
a man ; and the very circumstance, that differing as 
lie did so widely from Lord Nelson in qualities and 
character, he succeeded in securing to so high a degree 
the regard and confidence of that distinguished com- 
mander, proves what the opinion must have been which 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 315 

Lord Nelson formed of his talents and courage. But 
the character of Lord CoUiDgwood as an admiral was 
just that which must have led him to pass a severe 
judgment on this unfortunate affair with the Polacre. 
His courage was that of a firm well disciplined mind, 
which had been accustomed to view danger with in- 
difference, when it came in the way of duty, but which 
saw no necessity to go out and brave it, when there 
was no adequate cause. His professional life had been 
chiefly passed in ships of the line, as forming parts of 
great fleets, and engaged in great movements ; and he 
had therefore less sympathy with that spirit of adven- 
turous daring, which suited the commander of a cruis- 
ing frigate ; and he was disposed to look with jealousy, 
if not disapprobation, at the risks which were contin- 
ually run for the sake of captures of very little intrinsic 
value. At this period also, age had added something 
of severity to his judgment, and he was not likely to 
admit any extenuation of an error, which had cost the 
lives of so many valuable men, and which seemed to 
have been incurred by acting in opposition to an 
express order of his own. 

The former disaster in Captain Brenton's naval 
career might also have existed some prejudice against 
him in the mind of the Admiral. The unfortunate are 
seldom regarded as wholly clear of blame. The loss of 
the Minerve had been justified by the sentence of a 
Court Martial ; but an old and cautious commander 
might have suspected that the commander of the 
frigate had been rash and indiscreet, if not absolutely 
in fault ; and might have thought that this unhappy 



316 MEMOIR OF Chap. X. 

attack on the Polacre was part of the same conduct, 
another act of a daring, but inconsiderate and inju- 
dicious ofiQcer. 

The Captain of the Spartan had therefore to support 
a prejudice existing against the Captain of the Minerve, 
and had much to bear and much to do, before he 
overcame the impression which this untoward attack 
had made on Lord CoUingwood's mind. That he did 
succeed in removing it ; that he did succeed in satisfy- 
ing his Admiral's judgment, and did concihate his 
good will and approbation, may be an encouragement 
to others, who under similar circumstances, think all is 
lost because a single error has been committed ; and 
give up and cease to strive to please, because they feel 
that they have to work against a strong and perhaps 
unreasonable prejudice in a Commander. 

The private memoranda afford no information as to 
the struggles which this afflicting circumstance must 
have occasioned ; but the reader has already seen and 
known enough of the mind and feelings of the subject 
of this memoir, to doubt what must have been his 
resource. We cannot doubt, that the defeat he had 
sustained, and the sad and sorrowful tokens of it in the 
loss of his gallant people, sent him in tears and 
humiliation to the throne of grace ; that he there 
mourned deeply and sincerely over the rashness of the 
attempt, and his own imprudence in permitting it ; 
that he considered himself as guilty in some degree 
of the deaths of those, whom he had allowed to expose 
themselves ; and that many and earnest were his sup- 
l)lications for mercy and forgiveness. 



Chap. X. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 317 

But it may also be certain that this humihation be- 
fore God — this severity of self-enquiry and self-con- 
demnation, prepared him in a peculiar manner for the 
trial, he was to meet from men. The Admiral, naturally, 
reasonably offended at this, which seemed a wanton 
waste of life, found him so humbled, that his resentment 
was disarmed. The censure that he might have felt 
himself bound to pass, on the point of discipline, was, he 
saw, anticipated. He could not strike one who was 
down. He could not reprove one whose self-reproof 
was manifest. He was obhged to feel for the man, 
whose own feelings had been so acute ; and he saw that 
it was unnecessary for the interests of the service, to 
say anything where so much had been already done 
within. " Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit 
the earth ;" and many are the causes of offence in every 
service, which would come to nothing, if they were not 
raised into importance by the pride of those who endea- 
vour to defend their error, instead of acknowledging 
and condemning it themselves. 

We shall have occasion to remark a similar trial in 
the following Chapter, where an accident occurred, which 
appeared to arise from want of care in the management 
of the ship; and which for a moment again put the 
character of the Captain of the Spartan in jeopardy 
with an Admiral of such correctness as Lord Colling- 
wood. The affair in that case was capable of explana- 
tion, and the circumstances under which it happened, 
exonerated the Commander of the ship from blame ; but 
those, whose daily lives are not exposed to such con- 
tingencies as belong to active service, will do well to 



318 MEMOIR OF Chap, X. 

remember how trifling are the causes which may lead to 
consequences so serious, and in this way learn to feel 
for those whose forgetfulness or momentary inattention 
may be visited with such severity. 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 319 



CHAPTER XL 



CRUIZE OFF TOULON. — REFITS AT MALTA. — STORM OFF SARDINIA. — JOINS LORD 
COLLINGWOOD'S FLEET. — DISASTER. — FALLS IN WITH THE FRENCH FLEET AT 
SEA. — EXERTIONS TO CONVEY INTELLIGENCE AND TO WATCH THE ENEMY. — 
RETURNS TO TOULON. — SERVICE ON THE COAST OF ITALY IN COMPANY WITH 
LORD COCHRANE. — REFLECTIONS. 



The Spartan was employed for the remainder of the 
year in watching the port of Toulon. The service was 
at first very arduous, and one of constant anxiety, and 
solicitude, especially as the French squadron in the 
outer roads had increased greatly, and it became 
necessary to reconnoitre them with increased vigilance. 
Lord Collingwood returned to his station off Cadiz ; 
and the duty of watching Toulon devolved upon two 
frigates, the Sirius and Spartan in the first instance. 
On the former being called away, she was relieved 
by the Apollo ; but there was seldom more than one 
of these frigates off Toulon at a time, the other being 
absent for the purpose of refitting, or procuring water 
and provisions. Early in January, 1808, the Spartan 
went to Malta, to refit, having suffered much from the 
constant gales off Cape Scicie, and from the necessity 



320 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

of carrying sail to keep in with the land against the 
heavy N. W. winds, which blow so frequently, and 
with so much violence on that part of the coast. And as 
it was with this wind that the enemy would leave their 
port it became an indispensable necessity that the 
frigates employed in watching them, should keep as 
close to the land as possible, that they might have a 
look out upon them night and day. 

On the wind increasing from that quarter, it was 
theiefore imperative upon the frigates to carry as much 
low sail as possible, and they were obliged to set their 
courses with close reefed topsails, as long as they could 
be borne in safety ; by this means, they generally 
managed to keep in smooth water, under the land ; 
but the greatest vigilance was required, lest in some 
of the heavy squalls coming down through the valleys, 
the lower yards might be carried away, and the ship 
crippled in sight of a powerful enemy, who would only 
have to slip, and take possession of the disabled ship, 
Admiral Thornborough who commanded the squadron, 
which in the latter part of the Spartan's station off Tou- 
lon, remained cruizing from fifteen to twenty leagues off 
the coast, was full of anxiety respecting the frigates ; 
and on Captain Brenton going on board the Royal 
Sovereign bearing his flag, to make his report of the 
ships in Toulon, he said to him, " My dear Brenton, I 
expected to have seen 3^ou worne to a skeleton from 
anxiety ; I can scarcely sleep for thinking of you. I 
dread particularly the treacherous calms off Cape Sicie, 
wliilst tlic ships in tlie outer roads of Toulon have a 
fresh breeze off the land, which might bring them 



Chap. XL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 321 

alongside of you in a few minutes/' This indeed was 
a source of very serious apprehension, and the Spartan 
was more than once placed in a situation of great 
danger from it ; the line of calm was however generally 
visible upon the water, and it was important to observe 
great caution in not approaching too near this line. 
There are few circumstances however which do not 
lose their power to alarm by familiarity with the 
danger connected with them, and so it proved in this 
case. On his being first employed in the service, 
Captain Brenton felt the full amount of his responsi- 
bility, and the danger to which he was exposed ; but 
after being frequently chased off the land by squadrons 
of ships of the line, and finding that they invariably 
left off chase by the time they had got seven or eight 
leagues from the port ; and finding also that they 
seldom gained much if any thing upon the Spartan 
during that run ; he became so accustomed to being 
chased, that it was considered a matter of common 
occurrence, and was unaccompanied by any anxiety. 
Upon one occasion, when about four miles from Cape 
Sepet, the entrance to the inner road of Toulon, 
blowing fresh from the N. W. several ships of the line 
were seen coming out, and the Spartan of course bore 
up ; at this time, an unfortunate boy fell overboard, and 
it became necessary to lower a boat down to endeavour 
to save him, and the time thus occupied was one of the 
greatest possible anxiety, it was however employed in 
letting out reefs, and in every preparation to make 
sail. The boy had sunk, and by the time the boat had 
returned, the enemy were out of the roads, clear of 

Y 



322 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

Cape Sepet, and steering for the Spartan, scarcely 
more than a league distant ; but no sooner was the bo at 
out of the water, than the helm was up, and the ship 
under a cloud of sail ; from this moment all anxiety 
vanished, and the enemy having run to the length of 
their tether, hauled their wind as usual. 

It was upon one of these occasions that Captain 
Brenton, sitting in his cabin, watching the enemy in 
chase of him with his spy glass, was informed by the 
first Lieutenant that a strange sail was seen on the 
starboard bow. " Steer for her," said the Captain, 
" these fellows will leave off chase before we get up 
with her, and we may as well chase in our turn." As 
he expected, the enemy gave up the pursuit, and the 
Spartan continuing her course for the stranger, came 
up with her in the course of the afternoon, and took 
her ; she proved to be a very good prize. 

The Spartan having refitted in January at Malta, 
was returning to her station off Toulon, and the wind 
being strong from the westward, the Commander 
as usual ran to the eastward of Sardinia and Corsica. 
When on the east side of Corsica, the weather 
being remarkably fine and clear, they were keeping 
as close to the shore as possible, in order to have 
the advantage of smooth water, and Captain Brenton 
and his First Lieutenant, both very unwell, were 
sitting together over the stove in the Captain's cabin. 
The people were at dinner, when in a moment a 
heavy squall came on. The ship was taken aback, 
and was laid over with her guns in the water, and 
before tlie sail could be taken in, the fore yard was 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 323 

gone, and the ship on a dead lee shore. The Captain 
and First Lieutenant were soon on deck, and every 
exertion made to get the ship into safety ; but the 
proximity of the land rendered her situation for many 
hours one of extreme peril. She was got under a snug 
sail, and a maintopsail yard was substituted for a fore- 
yard. The wind however continued to increase after the 
sun went down, and blew with great violence, whilst a 
heavy sea got up. The ship was wore, as the wind 
veered a point or two each way, but at ten o'clock it 
was evident that they could not be far from the S. E. 
coast of Corsica. Captain Brenton's chief object in 
wearing as he did, was to keep the Straits of Bonifacio 
open ; but even this was a most forlorn hope, for the 
innumerable rocks which abound in every part of these 
straits, render it a most dangerous passage. His inten- 
tion was only to avail himself of it, in the event of 
being so near the coast as to leave no alternative but 
either going on shore, or attempting to run through the 
straits ; in the latter case their safety depended on 
steering by the breakers — a fearful resource when the 
sea was running so high, that the whole surface of the 
water was broken. Every eye was directed to leeward, 
and every moment the order was expected to put the 
helm up ; when by the interposition of a Idnd provi- 
dence, the wind which had been nearly at east, flew 
round six points, and enabled the ship to clear the 
land, and by daylight she had such an offing as enabled 
the Captain to keep her away for Palermo, where the 
Spartan arrived on the following day, and to the great 
surprise of all on board, found Sir Richard Strahan 



824 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

with his squadron lying in the bay, having run up the 
Mediterranean in chase of the Rochefort squadron. 
It became necessary that the Spartan should proceed 
with the utmost dispatch off Toulon, and application 
having been made to the Sicilian Commodore for 
assistance, he was pleased to supply the ship with a fore 
yard from one of his frigates, and the Lavinia, one of 
Sir Richard Strahan's squadron, having been put under 
Captain Brenton's orders, they made sail for their des- 
tination. The wind being perseveringly from the west 
and north westward, the ships endeavoured to beat up 
under the lee of Sardinia, but gained but little ground. 
At length, the wind getting round to the N. E., and 
blowing very hard, Captain Brenton determined upon 
bearing up, and running along the south coast of Sar- 
dinia, to endeavour to get to Toulon by a western 
route. On arriving, however, off Cagliari, he spoke an 
English Privateer, from which he obtained the infor- 
mation, that on the 1st of March, a frigate which had 
been cruising off Toulon, had arrived in the road of 
Bulla, near Cagliari, with an account of the French 
squadron, having got out of Toulon ; and from the cross 
examination which Captain Brenton entered into, he 
felt convinced that this frigate must be his consort, the 
Apollo, which he had left off Toulon. The privateer 
captain further added, that on the following day he was 
boarded by the Wizard, sloop of war, and had the 
same intelligence from her, with the additional news 
that five French sail of the line, and a frigate had 
lately entered tlic Mediterranean. This was the 
squadron which Sir Richard Strahan had pursued. 



Chap. XI. SIE JAHLEEL BEENTON. 325 

With such important information, Captain Brentou felt 
himself justified in dispatching Captain Hancock in 
the Lavinia to Admiral Thornborough at Palermo ; 
and he then stood with the Spartan into the bay of 
Cagliari, which he reached on the 4th of March, and 
received from the British Minister a confirmation of 
the report respecting the French squadron. He pro- 
ceeded in search of Vice- Admiral Thornborough, but 
fell in with Lord CoUingwood and the fleet ofl* Mar- 
etimo ; who having heard of the movements of the 
enemy, was in pursuit of them. All the other frigates 
and small vessels having been detained in different 
directions in quest of the enemy, the Spartan was kept 
with the fleet, and every morning, as soon as a flag 
could be distinguished, was ordered to look out in a 
given direction, as far as signals could be made out ; 
and was recalled in the evening. 

It seemed as though a fatality attended Captain 
Brenton, and that some circumstance or another should 
always arise to prevent his acquiring the approbation of 
the Commander in chief Having been thus employed 
in looking out till the morning of the 13th of March, 
when particularly anxious to be in readiness to take his 
station on the look out, he was up at three o'clock, and 
as soon as daylight appeared, made sail in the quarter 
pointed out, and was as usual recalled in the evening. 
In the course of the first watch the wind had become 
very light, and the Spartan, at ten o'clock, was yet at a 
very considerable distance from the body of the fleet, 
which was on the Spartan's lee bow ; he therefore 
directed the officer of the watch to let him know Avhen 



326 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

he should approach within a couple of miles of the 
fleet, and lest there might be any misunderstanding, 
he also gave this order in writing. The Spartan at this 
time had all sail set on the starboard tack ; Captain 
Brenton soon fell asleep, and to his utter astonishment 
and dismay, was awoke by hearing a crash, and run- 
ning on deck, found the ship had run on board the 
Malta of 80 guns, and that the Spartan's main yard was 
carried away. This indeed was a most serious disaster, 
his ship being the only frigate in the fleet, and at such 
a juncture. However as there was no sea running, 
the ships instantly separated, and the Spartan having 
got round on the other tack, kept her main-top-sails set 
by bringing the sheets below ; and keeping her royals set, 
was enabled to get up into her station on the weather 
beam of the Commander in chief, to whom Captain 
Brenton sent an officer informing him of the accident, 
and expressing his hope that the ship would be 
effective again in a few hours. His Lordship's feel- 
ings may be easily imagined by those who knew 
him. He instantly sent his carpenter on board, with 
armourers and every other assistance that could be 
devised, but before these artificers were in readiness 
to work, there was but little left for them to do, 
the main yard was down and fished, and the hoops 
only remained to be put down, which were then pre- 
paring at the forge ; and before eleven o'clock the yard 
was again up, and the Spartan as efficient as she had 
been the preceding day. The Admiral was appeased, 
and the affair had no other consequence than that of an 
order to try the unfortunate Lieutenant by a Court 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 327 

martial. It may not be useless to explain how this 
neglect happened, as it may prove a warning to 
thoughtless young men, who in every other respect are 
most anxious and zealous to do their duty to the 
utmost. It is well known to be the custom of the ser- 
vice for an officer coming up to take charge of the deck, 
to be accosted by his messmates in the following man- 
ner, " Here you have her," describing the sail she is 
under, and repeating any orders he may have received 
from the Captain. Upon this occasion, to the " Here 
you have her," was added, "and you will find the 
captain's order in the order book in the Binnacle 
drawer." The young officer, who took charge of the 
deck, probably intended looking into the book for these 
orders, but forgot it. He now approached the fleet, and 
all at once alarmed for his responsibiUty, and hesitating 
on which side of the ship approaching him he should 
go, it ended as all these cases of indecision generally 
do, by running on board of her. The Commander in 
chief soon after this, having gained intelligence that 
the enemy had been seen off the mouth of the Adriatic, 
made all sail in pursuit of them, dispatching the Spar- 
tan to Rear Admiral Martin, at Palermo, with the in- 
formation ; and the Rear Admiral immediately directed 
Captain Brenton to proceed without loss of time to the 
Bay of Tunis, and not gaining any tidings of the 
enemy there, to cruize between the south coast of 
Sardinia and the coast of Africa, in order to prevent if 
possible the enemy passing to the westward, from the 
Adriatic, without being seen. 

The Spartan had not been long on this service, when 



328 MEMOIR OF Chap. XL 

on the 1st of April, 1808, the weather being hazy, and 
a fresh breeze from the north west, a fleet was descried 
to the southward, amounting to ten sail of the line, and 
four frigates. Captain Brenton felt so certain that this 
was JiOrd CoUingwood, not having heard of the junction 
of the French squadrons, that he did not at first even 
make the private signals, but was satisfied with shewing 
his number. As they ran down under their topsails, 
the Captain, and the first Lieutenant, looking at them 
through their glasses, the former said, " Who is that old 
fashioned fellow who carries his mizen topmast stay- 
sail, under the main top V The first Lieutenant imme- 
diately replied, " There are three of them that have it." 
Then said the Captain, " It is the enemy's fleet. Haul 
your wind at once.'' They did so, and then made the 
private signal, and no sooner had the Spartan made 
this change in her course, than every ship to leeward 
made all the sail she could carry upon a wind. The 
Spartan set her coursers, jib, and driver, and Captain 
Brenton, finding the enemy did not gain much ground 
upon him, felt satisfied with this addition, and was rather 
desirous that they should get a little nearer to him 
before night, when he felt that he could always get from 
them. Captain Brenton was now anxious to communi- 
cate the position of the French squadron to Rear 
Admiral Martin, at Palermo, and also to Sir Alexander 
Ball, at Malta; but he felt it to be his imperative duty 
to remain with the French fleet himself, and to dog 
them wherever they might be bound. He at once 
decided upon putting a canvass deck upon the launch ; 
and applying for beams the rough pieces, which at that 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 329 

time it was the custom to issue from the dock-yard for 
boat oars, to be made up on board when required ; 
the launch being thus provided with a deck, and being 
furnished with a carronade, signal flags, ammunition, 
provisions, and water, became a very serviceable, and 
efficient dispatch boat. When it became quite dark the 
launch was hoisted out and equipped, but some delay in 
sending her away occurred, in consequence of the 
French squadron having gone on the larboard tack, by 
which means they were exactly in her track for Tra- 
pani. The Lieutenant was directed to proceed by land to 
Palermo, with his dispatches for Rear Admiral Martin ; 
and the Master's mate, who accompanied him in the 
launch, was to proceed with her to Malta with the same 
intelligence for Rear Admiral, Sir Alexander Ball. 

"Spartan, Cape Tolazo, 5 p.m. April 1st, 1808. 
" Sir, 

" We are now in company with the enemy's squad- 
ron, consisting of ten sail of the line (two of which are three deck- 
ers), four frigates and a brig. We fell in with them this morning 
at ten o'clock, GaUta then bearing S. S. E. distant thirty-eight 
miles ; they were then steering about West, with the wind appar- 
ently at E.N.E. (we had it all North), I immediately bore up to 
reconnoitre them ; upon the wind drawing round to the westward, 
and blowing fresh (which it did shortly after) they wore by signal, 
and hauled their wind on the larboard tack. When near enough to 
distinguish flags, I made the private signal, which was not answered, 
and we have since been keeping a station about six or seven miles 
in the wind's eye of them. At dark I mean to send away the 
launch, having fitted her up with a temporary deck for the occa- 
sion, and put her under the command of Lieutenant Coffin, third 
Lieutenant, to whom I beg leave to refer you for particulars. He 
is a most excellent young officer, and has in my opinion added to 



330 MEMOIR OF Chap. XL 

his merit, by the very handsome manner in which he has volun- 
teered his services on this occasion. It is my intention to use 
every endeavour Co keep sight of the enemy, and having ascer- 
tained their destination, to take the earhest opportunity of sending 
information of it ; watching them myself till I have reason to believe 
the Commander in chief, or some of his squadrons are acquainted 
with their situation. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

"JAHLEEL BRENTON." 

" Rear Admiral Martin, &c. 
" Paxermo." 



When the French fleet had got sufficiently to the 
northward, to offer a prospect of the launch pursuing 
her course unobserved, she was ordered to shove off; but 
she had scarcely got a mile from the ship, when, to Cap- 
tain Brenton's great dismay, the enemy were seen on the 
starboard tack, and there was the greatest probability 
that the poor launch would have fallen into their hands. 
The ofiicer however on seeing them approach, most judi- 
ciously lowered his sails ; by which means, they passed 
without seeing him, although as he said, one of the ships 
was so near him, that he thought his capture inevitable. 
He was most providentially preserved, and the Spartan 
kept her station on the weather beam of the French 
Admiral during the night, and as day approached made 
sail on the opposite tack, by which she was soon out of 
danger of pursuit, and preserved that distance until the 
evening, when she again bore down and took her station 
for the night. On the morning of the 2nd, just before 
dayliglit, the enemy were still on the starboard tack, on 
which they had been the whole night. The Spartan 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 331 

was put about, and Captain Brent on, who had been on 
deck nearly the whole night, left orders to stand on the 
larboard tack, until the topsails only of the French 
squadron could be seen from the deck, when the ship 
was again to be put in stays, and bear the same tack 
with the enemy. He had not long however been asleep, 
when he was called by the oflicer of the watch, and 
informed that the French squadron had tacked and lay 
up for the Spartan; that they had a fresh breeze 
whilst the Spartan was nearly becalmed. The enemy 
approached rapidly, and had got within four or five miles, 
when their wind also failed them, and a most anxious 
day was passed by all on board the Spartan. The sails 
were sometimes trimmed for one tack, and some- 
times for the other, and their steering sails, a-low and 
a-loft, and all in the course of an hour or two, as the 
wind veered round the compass. In the afternoon 
the wind set in again, and blew steady from its old 
quarter, the N. W. ; and the French Admiral deter- 
mined to avail himself of every change, in the hope of 
catching the British frigate, divided his squadron into 
two parts, and put one on each tack ; but the Spartan 
having the breeze strong and steady had the heels of 
them, and had got so far to windward before dark, 
that when the squadron again united, and got upon tlie 
starboard tack, which they always did at night, she 
was again under the necessity of bearing down, in 
order to ensure keeping sight of them during the 
night. On the evening of the 3rd the mnd having 
got round to the Northward, the French Admiral was 
observed to keep away, (about west) and a frigate 



332 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

went along the line, apparently speaking every ship ; 
which movement Captain Brenton interpreted in the 
following manner. " The French Admiral finding he 
cannot shake off the British frigate, or get hold of her, 
is determined to pursue his course to the westward ; 
it may be for the straits of Gibraltar, on his way to 
Cadiz ; or it may be, that with the expectation of the 
wind getting into its prevailing quarter, S. W., he 
wishes to take advantage of it to get to Toulon, and 
probably taking Minorca in his way, and joining the 
Spanish squadron of six sail of the line known to be 
there. At all events," said Captain Brenton to his 
oflScers, " we must endeavour to accompany him f and 
in his turn, in order to puzzle the French Admiral 
with regard to the Spartan's movements, he continued 
close hauled until he had lost sight of the French 
squadron, then keeping away upon the same course, 
they were last seen steering, and setting the courses, 
he expected soon to be again abreast of them, and to 
resume his position for watching them on the following 
day. Gantheaume, who commanded the French squad- 
ron, evidently had laid a trap for him, and expected 
this movement, for after dark he must have hauled his 
wind expecting to get to windward of the Spartan. 
As the night was dark, great anxiety was felt to get 
sight of the enemy again, and an eager look out kept 
on the lee bow. All at once the junior marine officer 
who was on the lee gangway called out, " here they are 
Sii", close to us on the lee quarter ;" and there indeed 
they were, not much more than a mile distant. As 
the Spartan was off the wind and going at a great 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 333 

rate, with all hands on deck, Captain Brenton decided 
upon at once wearing her, and getting on the other 
tack, as far preferable to keeping his enemy astern, 
and so near him, or running the risk of any accident 
which might happen in the stays. He accordingly 
ordered the helm to be immediately put up, and the 
ship flew round with rapidity, and was round on the 
other tack under the mainsail in a few moments. She 
was evidently within gun shot of the leading ship of 
the French squadron, but only for a very few minutes, 
and they were probably deterred from firing, lest it 
might attract the attention of other cruizers. The 
French squadron soon after wore, which they did very 
deliberately ; the signal having been first made by the 
Admiral, and when repeated by his second astern, 
hauled down in his ship, and so on throughout the line, 
only one ship having the signal up at a time, and no 
guns being fired upon any occasion ; this clearly be- 
trayed a desire not to attract notice. The Spartan 
continued carrying a press of sail all night, and soon 
got over on the coast of Sardinia ; when she went 
again upon the starboard tack, and at daylight saw the 
enemy's squadron upon the larboard tack, broad on 
her lee bow. On the evening of this day the weather 
was very squally, and wind so variable, as sometimes to 
bring the enemy to windward, a position most un- 
favourable to the Spartan, though there was no appre- 
hension whatever of any ship of the enemy gaining 
upon her on a wind, although many might have done so 
while going large. Captain Brenton, to avoid these dis- 
advantageous circumstances, stood well over to the coast 



334 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

of Sardinia, in the expectation of again crossing upon the 
French squadron in the morning, but he saw no 
more of them. They had undoubtedly availed them- 
selves of the changes of wind, favourable to their get-, 
ting to the N. N. W. as they were known to have 
reached Toulon in a few days after. 

Captain Brenton was now under considerable anxiety, 
as to the steps he should next take. From the conduct 
of the enemy during four days, there was every reason 
to believe that their object was to get to the westward, 
but whether to the straits of Gibraltar, or Minorca, 
or Toulon, he could not determine. Depending upon 
his launch having carried all the information to Sicily 
and Malta, he resolved to steer for Minorca, under the 
probability that M. Gantheaume might have gone 
thither for the Spanish ships, as has already been 
suggested. He also thought, that on this course with 
the perpetual changes of wind so frequently experi- 
enced in the spring in the Mediterranean, he might 
again fall in with them, whether their destination was 
to either of the places above mentioned. 

From the evening of the 5th to the morning of the 
7th, the Spartan was nearly becalmed the whole time, 
but a fresh breeze then springing up from the S. W. 
the Spartan stretched over for Minorca, and made that 
island on the evening of the 8th. Captain Brenton 
was in the hope of being able to reconnoitre port 
Mahon in tlic morning, but in the course of the night 
it came on to blow very hard from the northward ; and 
to liavc attempted to have worked up to the island 
would liavo expended too much valuable time. All that 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 335 

remained in his power now was to endeavour to secure 
Admiral Purvis, who commanded the British squadron 
off Cadiz, against surprise. He accordingly made all 
sail for Gibraltar ; he arrived off the rock on the evening 
of the 10th, and brought to off Cabrita, whilst he sent 
a boat on shore for intelligence ; and on its return 
proceeded through the straits under bare poles, in 
order not to miss the squadron under Admiral Purvis, 
which he saw at day-light, and communicated his 
intelligence by telegraph. 

The Admiral immediately made the signal for his 
squadron to clear and prepare for battle. He gave 
Captain Brenton great credit for his conduct upon this 
occasion, as did Lord Colling wood on his rejoining 
him. Having remained with the squadron off Cadiz, 
as long as any probability remained of the French 
squadron coming down, the Spartan was again ordered 
to Palermo, to rejoin Rear Admiral Martin ; and on 
his arrival there. Captain Brenton was directed to 
resume his station off Toulon ; where he was informed 
he should find the Commander in chief, which was the 
case. Lord Collingwood expressed himself highly 
pleased with all the measures he had pursued under 
these trying and difficult circumstances ; and said he 
had been greatly relieved, on hearing of the Spartan's 
safety, as a report had reached him, that the French 
squadron was seen going into Toulon, with an English 
frigate their prize ; and little doubt was entertained 
in the fleet, as to the correctness of the report, or, as 
to the Spartan being the ship taken. His Lordship 
was heard to exclaim when he heard the news, " That 



336 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

poor Breiiton was the child of misfortune/' Captain 
Brenton was now again upon his old post, but had the 
comfort of another frigate, the Lavinia, being put under 
his orders. There were at this time six sail of the 
line in Toulon, and four frigates ready for sea ; and 
six men of war, with two frigates refitting. The enemy 
frequently came out as usual, chasing off our frigates 
and returning into port again. 

On the 1st of August, Captain Brenton having 
observed a frigate and convoy getting under weigh 
in Toulon, and suspecting they were destined for 
Corsica with troops, where he had been informed some 
disturbances had taken place, recalled the Lavinia by 
signal from Cape de L'Aigle ; and directing Captain 
Hancock to occupy the Spartan's post off Toulon, 
made sail himself in chase of the frigate, and gained 
very fast upon her, in consequence of which she hauled 
into the bay of St. Tropaz, and anchored under the 
citadel. The Spartan succeeded in taking two of her 
convoy, and was very near taking a man of war brig, 
having got within gun shot of her ; but being becalmed, 
the Frenchman got away with his sweeps. The Spar- 
tan had three men wounded by a shot from one of the 
batteries, but only slightly. 

Tn the beginning of September, the Spartan was 
ordered to cruize in the gulf of Rosas, to prevent the 
enemy's vessels from collecting on the coast between 
Cape Creux and Cape Couronnc. On the 7th, Captain 
Brenton fell in with the Imperieuse, commanded by 
Lord Cochrane, and joined him in an attack he was 
making uj)on some merchant vessels near Cape Mcjcan ; 



Chap. XL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 337 

one of whicli they burned, and captured two, which not 
being worth sending into port for adjudication, they 
destroyed. The Imperieuse had one man killed upon 
this occasion, and the Spartan one wounded. 

On the 8th, the boats from the two ships landed and 
destroyed the signal post and telegraph in the bay of 
Saintes Maries ; from thence they proceeded to attack 
three batteries upon the Isthmus of Leucate, where a 
number of vessels were lying hauled up on the beach. 
Lord Cochrane had reconnoitred this part of the coast 
some days previously, and had landed and spiked one 
of the guns on the southern battery. On the 10th, at 
daylight, the boats landed and completed the destruc- 
tion of that battery ; whilst the ships protected them 
by their fire, from the troops which were assembled. 
At one p. m. the boats were formed in two divisions, 
the first made a feint of landing near the village 
of Caunet, by which means the troops were all drawn 
to that point, and the ships running in attacked the 
centre battery near the village of St. Lauren, and the 
second division of boats proceeded under cover of the 
Imperieuse, and carried the northernmost battery. A 
beautiful instance of ready seamanship was displayed 
by Lord Cochrane upon this occasion. Having already 
reconnoitred the coast, he requested he might be 
permitted to lead upon the occasion. The Spartan 
was following the Imperieuse, at less than a cable's 
length distance, the ships going about three knots ; 
when the Imperieuse was observed suddenly to swing 
round, with much more rapidity than any action of the 
helm could have produced. The fact was, that Lord 

z 



338 MEMOIR OF Chap. XL 

Cochrane from the mast head saw a squadron of the 
enemy's cavalry galloping towards a gorge on the coast, 
which had they passed, they would have cut off the 
retreat of our people, who were employed in spiking 
the guns. His Lordship immediately ordered the ship's 
anchor to be let go, and the swinging round brought 
her starboard broadside to enfilade this gorge, by which 
the cavalry were instantly turned. The boats were 
then again landed, when one vessel was blown up, and 
another burnt, the others considerably injured by the 
fire from the frigates ; but the enemy having collected 
in considerable force with field pieces, the boats were 
recalled. The Spartan had two wounded upon the 
occasion, and the Imperieuse one. 

On the following day the two ships anchored off 
Cette, and endeavoured to burn the shipping in the 
harbour, by throwing congreve rockets amongst them ; 
but without effect, probably owing to the defective 
state of the rockets. 

On the 12th they again landed, burnt a custom- 
house, near Mont Julien, two pontons on the canal, 
and some guard houses, bringing away a number of 
small arms. 

On the 13th they chased nine sail of merchant 
vessels off Point de Tigne, and captured six of them, 
viz., one ship, three brigs, a xebec, and a bombard ; 
these vessels had run on shore, with the wind blowing 
hard from the N. W. The Spartan and the Imperieuse 
anchoring near them, and heaving them off, they were 
no sooner afloat and anchored near the frigates, than 
a galo of wind came on, directly on shore, which 



Chap XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 339 

obliged the ships to remain there till the 16th, in 
hourly expectation of the enemy bringing down guns, 
as they were within shot of the beach. Captain Bren- 
ton in his official letters states the conduct of Lord 
Cochrane to have been above all praise ; and that it was 
throughout an animating example of intrepidity, zeal, 
professional skill, and resources which he trusted would 
be treasured up in the memory of all who witnessed it. 

The Editor may be allowed to add as a tribute due 
to the distinguished officer thus casually introduced to 
notice from connection with the subject of the Memoir, 
that he has frequently heard Sir Jahleel Brenton men- 
tion, that he admired nothing more in JiOrd Cochrane, 
than the care he took of the preservation of his people. 
Bold and adventurous as he was, no unnecessary expo- 
sure of life was ever permitted under his command. 
Every circumstance was anticipated, every precaution 
against surprise was taken, every provision for success 
was made ; and in this way he was enabled to accom- 
plish the most daring enterprises, with comparatively 
little danger, and still less of actual loss. 

The public who heard of his unceasing activity and 
dauntless courage, regarded him as one only ambitious 
of the character of a successful commander, and little 
knew that he never risked an attack of which he had 
not calculated all the probable contingencies, and com- 
pared most jealously the loss he might himself sustain, 
with the injury to be done to the enemy. 

Lord CoUingwood in acknowledging Captain Bren- 
ton's official account of these affairs expressed much 
approbation. The service performed was in itself trivial, 



340 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

but the effect upon the enemy important ; as these per- 
petual attacks made on different parts of the coast 
were very harrassing to them, and kept their cavalry, 
as well as other descriptions of force, constantly in 
motion; whilst they at the same time paralyzed their 
trade, which at this period of the war was confined 
entirely to the coasting department. It became neces- 
sary also for the enemy to keep a much larger military 
force in their maritime departments, than they would 
otherwise have done, and the amount of troops sent to 
the army was consequently diminished. 

The coasters were at length so apprehensive of fall- 
ing into the hands of the English cruizers, that they 
seldom dared to quit the shelter of a port, until signals 
had been made from the different stations on the coast, 
that no enemy was near. 

While such was the perilous and anxious tenor of 
Captain Brenton's days, some light may be reflected on 
his personal character, by introducing a short extract 
from that domestic memoir, to which reference has 
previously been made, as exhibiting the feelings that 
were passing in his mind, while occupied in this active 
service. The thread of the narrative, it is true, will be 
broken ; the thrilHng interest connected with these 
critical moments must be suspended ; but it is well 
that the reader should see the character of the man in 
whose dangers he is led to share, and should learn even 
through the interruption of the story, that the duties 
of the service may be discharged in the most exemplary 
manner, wliilst the heart retains all the warmth and 
tenderness of well regulated affection. Speaking of 



I 



Chap. XI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 341 

this period of his hfe to his children, he says, " This 
was a time of great anxiety, which to a heart formed 
like your dear mother's, was perhaps rendered more 
severe, by the struggle between her religious con- 
victions and her worldly affections, between her 
wish to repose entire confidence in God, and those 
feelings, which although given us for our happiness, 
we are not able to controul, when we have reason to 
fear that those we love are suffering, or in danger. 
The enemy's squadron had escaped from Rochefort, 
and got into the Mediterranean, where they formed a 
junction with that of Toulon, and an action with our 
fleet was consequently expected. My beloved Isabella 
knew I was cruizing off Toulon, and was naturally full 
of apprehension. I had been relieved in the early part 
of the year, in order that I might go to Malta and 
refit, and upon my return having fallen in with Lord 
CoUingwood, T was detached in quest of the enemy, 
which I fell in with, the beginning of April, off Sardinia. 
I lost sight of them on the fourth day, and concluding 
from the course they had steered, whilst I was with 
them, that they were going either to Minorca or Cadiz, 
T went successively to those places, giving the alarm 
to our Commander in chief, who was blockading the 
latter. I had the satisfaction of receiving Lord Col- 
lingwood's entire approbation of nw conduct ; and what 
was not less gratifying, a letter, whilst off Cadiz, from 
your beloved mother, which had been written but little 
more than a fortnight. I was also enabled to send her 
accounts of my welfare, which from the nature of the 
service upon which I had been engaged, she could not 



342 MEMOIR OF Chap. XI. 

otherwise have received for a considerable time ; whilst 
reports of our having fallen into the hands of the 
enemy were circulated throughout the Mediterranean, 
and generally believed." This circumstance seems to 
have called forth the following expression of gratitude 
from the anxious wife. 

Bath 1808. — "Just received letters from my beloved 
Brenton, which have more than ever given me cause for 
gratitude to the All wise disposer of events. Oh ! 
merciful God, how is it possible for me to express the 
gratitude due to Thee, upon this occasion particularly 
whilst every hour of my life is marked by some of thy 
bountiful mercies. But thy late preservation of my 
husband, both from the enemy, and the perils and 
dangers of the sea, call for more than usual gratitude." 
Captain Brenton adds, " Whilst so many are habitually 
congratulating themselves upon the instances of what 
they call ^ good fortune,' or their ' lucky escapes,' or 
pluming themselves upon their own success as the 
necessary consequences of their own judgment or merit ; 
let us, my darling children, follow the example of your 
angelic mother, and refer all we meet with to the mer- 
ciful and watchful care of a benign and superintending 
Providence — let us pay our gratitude where it is due ; 
and in all our trials remember what He has done for us. 
Let us resign ourselves to His divine will, and assure 
ourselves that were it not good for us to be afflicted, 
adversity would never reach us." 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BBENTON. 343 



CHAPTER XII. 



REMOVED FROM THE TOULON STATION TO THE MEDITERRANEAN. — CRUIZE OFF 
CANDIA, AND IN THE ADRIATIC. — ACTION AT PESARO ; AND OFFICIAL LET- 
TERS. — CO-OPERATION WITH THE AUSTRIANS IN THE ADRIATIC. — LETTERS 
FROM LORD COLLINGWOOD EXPRESSIVE OP HIS ENTIRE SATISFACTION. 



The Spartan having resumed her station off Toulon, 
discovered on the morning of the 2nd of October, that 
five frigates and a store ship had got out during the 
preceding night in a heavy gale from the N. W. Cap- 
tain Brenton concluded they were gone to Corsica, as 
the store ship was constantly employed in bringing 
timber from that Island. 

The Spartan was now released from this arduous 
duty by the Proserpine, and Captain Brenton was 
ordered to put himself under the orders of Rear 
Admiral Martin, on the coast of Sicily, and to cruize 
between the Faro of Messina, and the entrance of the 
Adriatic. On this head, Captain Brenton's own notes 
may be used. 

" Upon my arrival in the Mediterranean in the 
spring of 1807, I had been stationed to watch the 
enemy's fleet in Toulon, and I was continued in that 
arduous service till the latter end of 1808, when I was 



344 IMEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

relieved at the joint intercession of the junior flag 
officers, who had represented to the Commander in 
chief (though unsolicited by me) the hardship of one 
person being confined to such severe service, for so 
long a period. My stay there had, I believe, been 
protracted in the first instance, by a little prejudice on 
the part of the Admiral, in consequence of my 
having lost so many men, on the unfortunate occasion 
of the expedition of the boats ; and latterly from the 
expediency of keeping an officer on so important a 
station, who had the advantage of local knowledge, 
gained by the experience of so many months, as well 
of the coasts, as of the operations of the enemy. 

" 1 was at length removed to the coast of Calabria, 
and stationed between the Island of Sicily, and the 
mouth of the Adriatic, with a gratifying acknowledge- 
ment from Lord Collingwood of my having fulfilled the 
duties of my last post to his satisfaction. I had still 
less chance of success on this coast, than in the neigh- 
bourhood of Toulon, but the duty was not so harassing, 
or the responsibility so great, and I looked for some- 
thing better. 

"In the spring of 1809 I was sent to cruize on the 
coast of Syria and Egypt, when I took two prizes, only 
one of which, however, got into port. On my return to 
Malta, my excellent and warm friend. Sir Alexander 
Ball, sent me to take the command of the little squad- 
ron in the Adriatic. No situation in the Navy could 
have been more agreeable to my wishes, particularly 
with such officers and friends under my command, as 
Captains Iloste, Duncan and Waldegrave." 



Chap. XH. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 345 

Early in January, 1809, intelligence had been re- 
ceived that Miirat, then king of Naples, had resolved upon 
making a descent upon Sicily in the month of Feb- 
ruary. Great vigilance was consequently required to 
prevent any collection of troops or vessels on any point 
of the coast. The Spartan was kept upon the service 
during the greater part of 1808-9. Captain Brenton re- 
ceived a letter from Rear Admiral Martin, dated 19th 
January, 1809, informing him that an attack was confi- 
dently expected to be made by Murat, in the course of a 
short time, and that it was possible the Russian squadron 
at Trieste would co-operate in it, recommending the 
utmost vigilance for the protection of the eastern coast. 
He received at the same time another letter from 
General Sir John Stuart, confirming the expectation of 
Murat's intended invasion. 

Early in February the Commander in chief (then at 
Malta) having reason to beUeve that no attack was 
likely to be made upon Sicily, ordered Captain Brenton 
to join him there in the Spartan, where he arrived on 
the 6th. An incident occurred at this time, which 
shews in a strong point of view the superstition of the 
British sailors. When the Spartan was at Malta in the 
early part of January, a corporal of marines had been 
sent on shore to bring off one of his party, who had 
gone on shore without leave. A scufile ensued with 
some drunken men, and the corporal in self-defence 
having drawn his bayonet, the marine was killed. The 
parties were immediately taken up, and the follo^ving 
day after a minute examination into all circumstances by 
the magistrates, the corporal was acquitted of all blame, 



346 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

and sent off to his ship, which sailed in the course of a day 
or two. The weather became very boisterous, a suc- 
cession of gales of wind was experienced, and not one 
prize taken during the cruize. All this bad luck as it 
was called, was visited upon the corporal, who was 
supposed to be the Jonas, having been guilty of murder ; 
and it was an opinion frequently expressed by the people, 
that no more good fortune would attend the ship, as long 
as corporal Mantle was in her. This was frequently 
mentioned to the Captain, who paid no attention to it. 
But on his arrival at Malta he mentioned the circum- 
stance to Lord Collingwood, suggesting that the man 
should be tried by a court martial, as his acquittal was 
certain, and would be the means of whitewashing him 
in the eyes of his shipmates. His Lordship quite 
approved of this. The court was ordered and assem- 
bled accordingly, and the corporal fully acquitted. The 
spell was then broken — fine weather ensued — a prize was 
taken, and the corporal was himself again. On relating 
this story a few days afterwards to Captain Stewart of 
the Seahorse, he assured Captain Brenton that the 
early part of his last cruize had been particularly 
unsuccessful ; but that while on the coast of Italy, it was 
discovered that a black cat was on board, which at once 
accounted for fortune having deserted the Seahorse. 
What was to be done '? To throw the cat overboard was 
increasing the bad omen, and aggravating the case. 
Captain Stewart decided at once that he would run 
over to the coast of Sardinia, where pussy was landed 
with every proper respect and attention, and a prize 
soon after set the question at rest. The Captain was 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 347 

a wise man, he took the only method of restoring good 
humour to his people, and was rewarded for it. It 
often requires as much judgment to deal with the 
weaknesses as with the vices of mankind. 

In the early part of February Lord CoUingwood 
told Captain Brenton, that in consequence of the 
length of time the Spartan had been kept off Toulon, 
it was his intention to give him a cruize off Egypt and 
Syria ; where he forthwith proceeded, remaining about 
six weeks, and returning at the end of that time, 
having taken one prize, and lost another of considerable 
value on the rocks on the east end of Candia. As 
there was something singular attending the capture of 
both these vessels, it may not be amiss to mention it 
in a few words. When the Spartan was in chase of 
the first off Cape Derne, night came on, when the 
chase was still seven or eight miles from the Spartan, 
and she was lost sight of Captain Brenton said to his 
officers, " if I were now master of that vessel, I should 
keep away two points for some time, and then two 
more, and in the course of three or four hours, I would 
then bear up before the wind, and run for eight or ten 
leagues, and I think he will do so. I mean therefore 
to bear up at once, and run ten leagues to leeward, and 
then haul to the wind, as the best chance of seeing 
him in the morning ; he did so, and the following day 
at noon, when standing in for the African shore, the 
identical vessel was discovered coming out from the 
land, and by five o'clock was in possession of the 
Spartan. The master acknowledged that he had done 
just as Captain Brenton had imagined. 



348 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

A few days afterwards a similar chase took place off 
the south coast of Candia, and the vessel being lost 
sight of at dark, the Spartan ran 10 leagues to leeward 
again, and furling all her sails waited for daylight, 
when the unfortunate Frenchman was seen coming 
down before the wind, and on seeing the Spartan, 
hauled round the S.E. point of the island. A long 
chase ensued ; at length, the chase ran in near some 
broken rocks, and let go her anchor. She was im- 
mediately boarded by the Spartan's boats, while driving 
among the breakers ; and delay having taken place in 
cutting the cable, she struck upon the point of a rock, 
and instantly sunk in deep water, giving the boats' 
crews barely time to escape. This was a serious loss, as 
the vessel had a valuable cargo from Marseilles to the 
Levant, and it was owing to the neglect of the boarding 
officer, who was ordered to take with him a carpenter's 
axe, to cut the cable with, as the sharpest ; but he 
forgot to take any, and whilst hacking at the cable 
with a cutlass, the vessel struck, and was lost. The 
accident suggested to Captain Brenton the idea of 
having a chest fitted up for every boat in the ship, which 
should contain all things that might be required, in 
case of being separated from the ship ; pistols, am- 
munition, carpenter's tools, provisions, candles, matches, 
sail needles, twine, compasses, &c, &c. 

On the return of the Spartan to Malta, she was 
necessarily placed under quarantine ; and Sir Alexander 
ii'ill, the port Admiral, having directed Captain Bren- 
ton to meet him at the quarantine office, asked him 
" liow long he required to be ready for sea." The 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 349 

answer was, " Not an hour, after provisions and water 
were sent on board." These were ordered immediately, 
and in the course of the day, the baggage of the British 
Ambassador, (the unfortunate Mr. Bathurst who was 
afterwards supposed to have been murdered near Ratis- 
bon,) and that of Don L. Bardaxi, the Spanish Ambassa- 
dor both going to the Court of Vienna, were sent on board. 
The Spanish Ambassador was accompanied by his 
lady, and a numerous suite ; with these the Spartan 
sailed on the following day, and reached Trieste on the 
18th of April, where the Ambassadors were landed; 
and Captain Brenton, in pursuance of the orders he 
had received, took the squadron consisting of the 
Amphion, Captain Hoste (afterwards Sir WilKam) ; 
the Mercury, Captain The Honourable Henry Dun- 
can (afterwards Sir Henry) ; and the Thames, Captain 
The Honourable W. Waldegrave, now Lord Radstock, 
under his orders. 

From Captain Hoste who had recently reconnoitred 
the enemy's ports on the coast of Italy, Captain 
Brenton received much valuable information. At 
Ancona there were two French, and one Venetian 
frigates ; at Venice, one frigate ready for sea, and 
another which had just hauled out of the basin, with 
three brigs ; the object of this force when united was 
supposed to relieve Marmont, at this time shut up in 
Dalmatia, and whose view was suspected to be to make 
his escape to Ancona. On the 23rd April, observing 
a number of vessels collected together in the port of 
Pesaro, he resolved to attack them ; and the following is 
a copy of his official letter upon this occasion. 



350 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII 

"Spartan, Trieste, 27th April. 
"My Lord, 

*^I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that 

being with the Amphion and Mercury off the town of Pesaro, 

on the 23rd instant, I observed a number of vessels lying in the 

mole, and thought it practicable to take possession of them; for 

w^hich purpose, the ships were anchored with springs upon their 

cables, within half a mile of the town. The boats formed in two 

divisions, the first consisting of launches with carronades, and 

other boats carrying field pieces, under the orders of Lieutenant 

Phillott, first of the Amphion, took a station to the northward of 

the town; and the second division consisting of rocket boats, under 

the orders of lieutenant Baumgardt, second of the Spartan; both 

divisions being commanded by Lieutenant George Willes, first of 

the Spartan. As soon as these arrangements were made, I sent a 

flag of truce on shore to demand the surrender of all the vessels, 

adding, that should any resistance be made, the Governor must 

be answer J? ble for the consequences, and I gave him half an hour 

to deliberate. 

" At half-past eleven, a. m. the officer returned with a message 
that in half an hour I should receive his answer. I waited 
thirty-five minutes, from the time the boat came alongside, when 
observing a flag of truce on shore, but that troops were assem- 
bling in considerable numbers in the streets, and on the quays, 
and that the inhabitants were busily employed in dismantling the 
vessels ; I hauled down the flag of truce, and fired one shot over 
the town to give warning to the women and children ; and shortly 
after made the signal to commence firing, which was instantly 
obeyed by the ships and boats. At thirty-two minutes after 
twelve, observing several flags of truce hung out in the town, I 
made the signal to cease firing, and Lieutenant Willes pushed 
into the harbour with the boats, when he was informed that 
the Commander had made his escape with all the military. 

" I considered the place as surrendered at discretion, and gave 
orders for the boats to be employed in bringing out the vessels, 
and the marines to be landed to protect them. Lieutenant Willes 
made the most judicious arrangements to carry this into execution. 




Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 351 

The marines were drawn up under Lieutenant Moore, senior Lieu- 
tenant of Marines of the Amphion ; the launches stationed in such 
a manner as to enfilade the principal streets ; and the other boats' 
crews were employed in rigging the vessels, and laying out wai'ps 
to haul them off with, as soon as the tide should flow. About 
two, p. m. I received a letter from the Commandant, dated half- 
past one, demanding another hour for deliberation. I refused 
him another moment, and told him that in case of resistance, I 
should destroy the town. By half-past six thirteen vessels deeply 
laden as per enclosed list were brought off"; several others had 
been scuttled by the inhabitants, and sunk; some were still 
aground dismantled, there were besides a few in ballast, and a 
number of fishing vessels. I should have burned the merchant 
vessels but for the apprehension of setting fire to the town, and 
destroying the fishing boats. I therefore directed Lieutenant 
Willes to blow up the castle at the entrance of the harbour, and 
to bring off" his people ; this he did at seven o'clock. 

" I am happy to say we did not hear of any lives being lost in 
the town, although many of the houses were much damaged. 
One man was killed by the explosion of the castle. After the 
match had been lighted, and our people had retreated, he ap- 
proached it ; a musket was fired over him to drive him away, 
but he sought refuge under the castle, and was buried in its 
ruins. As the enemy made no active resistance, I can only 
express my admiration at the zeal and promptitude with which 
Captain Hoste, and the Honourable Henry Duncan executed the 
orders which they received, and the manner in which they placed 
their ships. Lieutenant Willes upon this, as upon every other 
occasion, displayed the greatest energy, skill, and judgment ; the 
arrangements he made for the defence of his party whilst in the 
harbour, and the expedition in sending out the prizes, do him the 
highest credit. Lieutenant Phillott and Lieutenant Baumgardt 
in the command of their respective divisions, and Lieutenant 
Moore in that of the Marines, vrere also exemplary. 

" I have, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 
"To Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood." 



352 MEMOIR OF 

LIST OF VESSELS TAKEN. 



Chap. XIL 



San Nicholas . . 
San Pratico . . . 
L'azzardo fortunate 
Name unknown 
Ditto, ditto . . . 
San Antonio . . 
San Antonio . . 
San Nio .... 

Name unknown 
Carlotta fortunata 
Name unknown 
Ditto, ditto . . . 
Providenza . . . 

Total . . . 



38 tons Cargo, Oil and Almonds. 



d 



90 M 

54 " 

130 M 

90 M 

120 II 

100 II 

56 .' 

30 II 

56 n 

50 n 

60 I' 

30 /' 

904 tons. 



OiL 

Oil. 

Hides, oil and almonds. 

Oil and hemp. 

Oil. 

Plank and spars 

Morocco leather, hides, bees' wax, 

&c. 
Oil and hides. 
Oil. 
Oil. 

Oil, almonds, figs, candles, &c. 
Oil. 



As tLe oil was all sweet oil for Gallipoli, these car- 
goes were very valuable, and could not be worth less 
than £10,000, the value put upon them by Sir W. 
Hoste in his letter to his father. — See Hoste's Memoirs, 
vol. 1. p. 340. 

In consequence of intelligence received from Trieste, 
and the urgent demands of the Austrian Commander 
in chief for the co-operation of a frigate, Captain 
Brenton was under the necessity of detaching the 
Ampliion to the gulf of Fiume, a measure that he 
regretted the necessity for extremely ; as he depended 
much upon the assistance he should receive from such 
an officer, as Captain Hoste, in his intended operations 
on the coast of Italy, which he hoped to keep in a 
perpetual state of alarm, and thus to prevent as much 
as possible any troops being detached to the army op- 
posed to tliG Arch-duke John. Captain Duncan was 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 353 

however still with him, and was also a most valuable 
coadjutor. 

On the 2nd of May, the Spartan and Mercury 
attacked the port of Cesenatico, as detailed in the 
following letter. 

"Spartan, off Rovigno, 5th May, 1809. 
" My Lord, 

^^ On the 2nd instant, the Spartan and Mercury 
chased two vessels into the port of Cesenatico, the entrance to 
which is very narrow, and defended by a battery of two guns 
(twenty-four pounders) and a castle. Observing at the same time 
several other vessels laying there, I determined to take possession 
of them if possible. The coast is so shoal that we had only five 
fathoms, considerably out of gun shot of the town ; I was there- 
fore under the necessity of sending the boats a-head, and on each 
bow, with directions to make a signal when in three fathoms. 

^^ We were by these means enabled to anchor by noon in a 
quarter three within range of grape of the battery, and very soon 
silenced it, when Lieutenant Willes, first of the Spartan, pushed 
in and took possession of it, turning the guns upon the castle and 
town, which were soon after deserted. We captured in the port 
twelve vessels, some laden with corn for Venice, and the others 
being in ballast, we filled them with iron and hemp out of the 
magazines for these articles, which were upon the quay, and in 
which the sails and rudders of some of their vessels were con- 
cealed. Another large vessel laden with iron, which lay at the 
entrance of the harbour, scuttled, we burned ; and after blowing- 
up the castle and magazine, destroying the battery and spiking 
the guns, we came off, I am happy to say, without the loss of a 
man, or any person being wounded, although much exposed to 
the fire of the battery, as well as musketry ; noi- was any damage 
done to the ships. 

"The Mercury, from Captain Duncan's anxiety to place her 
as near the town as possible, took the ground, but in so favour- 
able a position, as gave the fullest effect to her fire. She was 

2 A 



354 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

however, hove off by 5 p. m. without having sustained any 
damage. 

*^ I never witnessed more zeal and energy than was evinced by 
Captain Duncan upon this occasion. Lieutenant Willes displayed 
great gallantry in taking possession of the battery the moment the 
ships had ceased firing, and in the expedition with which he turned 
the guns against the place j his exertion also in bringing out the 
vessels was very great. Much credit is also due to the officers 
and men of both ships for their activity. 

"I have, &c. 

« J. BRENTON." 
"Right Honourable 

"Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood." 

Captain Brenton dispatched the Mercury to convey 
the prizes to Trieste, and on the following day came 
up with them off Eovigno. But having been joined 
by the Thames, with orders for the Mercury to be sent 
to Trieste, and from thence with the British Minister's 
dispatches to Malta, he was under the necessity of 
sending the captured vessels into Rovigno, a port on 
the coast of Istria. The following letter to Lord 
Collingwood will shew the state of affairs at this time 
in the upper part of the Adriatic, and of the necessity 
for every exertion being made by the little squadron. 

" Spartan, off Rovigno, 5th May, 1809. 
" My Lord, 

" The Thames joined us last night, and I shall 
in consequence dispatch the Mercury immediately to Trieste for 
Mr. Stuart's dispatches, and direct her Captain to proceed to 
Malta with them. 

" I trust your Lordship will approve of my having kept that 
ship hitlicrto, as it was necessary to watch both sides of the 
Adriatic, as well to prevent the evacuation of Dalmatia by 



Chap, XII. SIK JAHLEEL BKENTON. 355 

General Marmont's corps — as to prevent supplies getting into 
Venice ; both of which purposes I hope have in a great measure 
been effected. 

" I have sent the Amphion to watch the motions of the French 
army in Dalmatia, and to co-operate with the Austrians under 
General Strokowitz. With the Spartan and Mercury I have 
been on the coast of Romagna, at the express desire of His 
Imperial highness the Arch-duke John, in order to cut off the 
communication between its forts and Venice. I beg leave to 
refer your Lordship to my letter of this day for a detail of our 
proceedings on the 2nd instant, and enclose a duplicate of that 
of the 27th ultimo. 

" I have this moment received a letter from General L' Epine, 
in which is the following passage. ^ General Marmont has given 
very severe orders to arm the inhabitants of Vegliaand Pago, 
under the direction of some of his troops, which are expected 
there, in order to oppose the Austrians ; the whole population of 
these islands are very averse to the project, and have the most 
eager desire to see our troops take possession of their country, 
therefore I have given orders immediately that a couple of com- 
panies should be embarked in the neighbourhood from Fiume to 
attack these islands, and take possession of them before the 
arrival of the French. I advise you of that disposition, that you 
may be in the case to assist our troops in the enterprize, and I 
have no doubt that you will be disposed to do it.' 

" This letter was addressed to Captain Hoste, in consequence 
of my having sent him off Zara ; but in order to effect the object 
of it, I shall proceed instantly off those islands in the Spartan, 
adding our force to that of the Amphion, and I shall send the 
Thames to blockade Venice. 

"I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
"Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood." 

A letter of the 29th April had been sent from Mr. 
Baird, the British Agent at Fiume, to Mr. Jackson, 



356 IklEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

the Charge' des affaires at Trieste, requesting he would 
inform the British Commander, by the earhest oppor- 
tunity, that the Austrians had entered Trau, on the 
coast of Dalmatia, without finding any French there ; 
that eighteen vessels had gone from Zara to Pago with 
troops, and that it was believed General Marmont and 
his staff were with them, and that his intention was 
probably to get to Ancona. 

About the same time, the following letter reached 
Captain Brenton, from Mr. Bathurst, the British Am- 
bassador, whom he had brought to Trieste in the 
Spartan, dated Vienna, 27th April, 1809. 

^' I have been unable from illness to apply to any business 
whatever since my arrival here, you must therefore not be sur- 
prised at my silence. 

" The turn which the war has taken upon the Danube is not 
altogether favourable. The enclosed bulletin will put you au 
fait of the operations of the two armies. The Arch-duke Charles 
has since been separated from General Hiller, and has fallen back 
to the frontiers of Bohemia. General Hiller Avas expected at 
Brannau yesterday, and will probably retire towards Saltzburg, 
and the Tyrol. In this situation the Capital is left open, but it is 
not imagined that the French will risk advancing with an 
Austrian army on each flank. 

" * The Emperor is still in the vicinity of Enns.' 

" * In every other direction the war has taken a favourable 
turn, and the dispositions of the different powers of Europe seem 
favourable to the Austrian cause ; even Russia indicates no 
desire of becoming liostile.' 

" The firmness of the government is not shaken, though the 
first opening of tlie campaign has not answered their expectation. 
Pray let me recommend to you the most cordial co-operation 
With the Austrian army in Italy. It is probable the Arch-duke 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOX. 357 

John will for the present remain upon the defensive in the 
Venetian States, your station will therefore become of the greatest 

importance. 

" Believe me, &c. 

"R. BATHURST." 

On the Ttli of May, General L'Epine writes from 
Trieste as follows : — 

" Sir, 

" Captain Flanegan, who will deliver this letter, is 
appointed to have the command of the various Austrian armed 
vessels, which are employed in the blockade of Venice, and is 
ordered to follow your directions, as long as you intend to remain 
before that place. I beg therefore you may be so good as to 
concert with him such dispositions as you may think most 
proper to attain the intended purpose, which is to prevent the 
enemy from receiving supplies. 

^^ By the same opportunity I have the honour to acquaint you 
that I have received a dispatch from the Arch-duke John, in 
which he mentions his most earnest desire, that the whole force 
under your command should go as soon as possible to the coast of 
Dalmatia, and particularly towards Zara, where he wishes that an 
attempt might be made by the British men of war, firing against 
tliat place, or in any other way, that might draw the attention of 
the enemy, and operate a diversion, giving at the same time a 
signal for the insurrection of the inhabitants to break out, who 
expect nothing else than the occasion; whilst our troops will 
make a resolute attack against the province on the other side. 
I lose no time to let you know this intention of the Arch-duke, 
being persuaded, after the disposition you have been pleased to 
exert, and which are used to direct your motions, that every 
exertion will be employed from your part to answer the above 
proposition. 

" I have the honour, &c. 

" L'EPIjSTE, Major Geneeal." 
" Commodore Brentox, 

Commander of H. B. M. Forces, Adriatic." 



358 MEMOIR OF Chap, XII. 

This letter was accompanied by anotlier, containing a 
list of the Austrian flotilla, with which Captain Brenton 
was desired to co-operate, consisting of two brigs of war, 
and a tartane stationed between Goro and Malamoco, 
with three gun boats, and five patroling boats in the 
neighbourhood of Cortelazzo. The vessels were espe- 
cially intended to prevent any supplies getting into 
Venice coastwise. It then added, 

" In Venice the enemy have at this time 7800 men : French, 
Italian, and militia. They have also 

In the Lagiine 4 gun boats, and 3 floating batteries. 
At Malamoco 3 brigs, 3 gun boats, 3 floating batteries. 
„ Lido 2 brigs, 2 „ 

„ Treporte 1 gun boat, 1 gun pirogue. 
„ Venice 1 forty gun frigate, loaded with arms and am- 

munition, not intended to go out, 
and fifty-nine gun pirogues disposed in the remainder of the 
Lagune. The Arch-duke John had got as far as Verona, but will 
not probably advance further till the Arch-duke Charles shall 
again take the offensive. 

" Signed, L'EPINE, 

"Major General." 
"Commodore Brenton, &c. &c." 

In consequence of the state of things as detailed in 
the preceding correspondence, Captain Brenton felt 
much solicitude to comply, as far as his very limited 
means would enable him, with the wishes of the Arch- 
duke John, both as regarded the preventing supplies 
reaching Venice from the coast of Romagna, as well 
as to give every possible annoyance to the French 
army in Dalmatia In order to effect the latter object 
no had detached the Amphion to cruize between Zara 



Chap. XII. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 359 

and Fiume, and the Thames was ordered to proceed off 
Punto Maestro, to stop all vessels attempting to get 
into Venice. And as the French had seized a number 
of fishing boats on the coast of Romagna, which they 
had laden with provisions, with a view of their not being 
examined by the British cruizers ; Captain Waldegrave 
was directed to take all vessels of that description, and 
to destroy all such as were so employed, and to warn 
all fishermen against such acts of hostility, lest they 
should forfeit the indulgence they had hitherto received 
as peaceable industrious people. Captain Waldegrave 
was also ordered to take the Austrian flotilla off Corte- 
lazzo under his command. 

Having made these arrangements. Captain Brenton 
proceeded in the Spartan to the gulf of Fiume, with the 
intention of protecting the islands on the coast of Cro- 
atia, still under the Austrian government, and driving the 
French out of the others. The following letter to Lord 
CoUingwood will at once give the official detail of his 
operations to the 12th of May 

*' Spartan, off Lussin Piccolo, 12th May, 1809. 
" My Lord, 

" In my letter of the 6th instant I had the honour 

to inform your Lordship of my intention to assist the Austrians 

in getting possession of the islands on the coast of Croatia. On 

approaching Veglia on the 7th, I was told that it had surrendered 

the day before, and that the Austrians had gone on to Cherso. 

I received at the same time information of a French garrison 

consisting of 200 men, having fortified the Island of Lussin, with 

a determination to hold out till relieved. I proceeded directly for 

the port of Cherso, where the imperial troops arrived a few hours 

before us. I proposed to their Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel 



360 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

Baron Peliarnick, that a detachment should be embarked on 
board the Spartan, and an attack be immediately made upon 
Lussin, to which he assented, and came on board with one hun- 
dred and eighty men. We sailed from Cherso at daylight, on 
the 9th, accompanied by three trabacolos for the purpose of 
landing the troops. At two p.m. we arrived off the port of Lussin, 
and found the enemy prepared to receive us, having a battery on 
each side of the entrance of the bay, which is not more than two 
cables length across. From thence the bay runs to the S. E. 
about three miles in length, and in no part more than a quarter of 
a mile over. The shore on both sides high and rocky. At the 
extremity of the bay, the town is situated, and immediately above 
it, the citadel, a large stone building defended by eleven pieces of 
cannon. 

" Our dispositions for the attack were immediately made. 
Baron Peharnick with fifty men in the boats of the Spartan, 
under the command of Lieutenant Willes, was to land to the 
southward of the western battery. Lieutenant Fagan command- 
ing the royal marines of this ship, with his own party, and a 
detachment of Austrians embarked in two of the trabacolos for 
the purpose of attacking the eastern battery, whilst the ship was 
to run in and engage both of them. 

" This plan was put in execution at three p.m. and both batteries 
carried after a very short resistance, the enemy retreating to the 
citadel. 

" Baron Peharnick and myself having reconnoitred the town 
from an eminence, we were of opinion that the place might be 
taken by an immediate attack. Accordingly the imperial troops 
which were landed on the peninsula moved forward. Lieutenant 
Willes in the boats, accompanied by Lieutenant Pagan's detach- 
ment in the trabacolos, ran up the bay accompanied by the ship. 
Upon approaching the town I sent a flag of truce forward, to 
summon it to surrender, but it was fired upon from the quay and 
houses. Lieutenant Willes instantly pushed forward in the most 
gallant manner with his boats, and found an anchorage for the 
ship, within pistol shot of the town, of which I availed myself 



Chap. XII. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 361 

immediately. One of the trabacolos with the marines and im- 
perialists was at this moment sunk by the fire from the citadel, 
happily no lives were lost, and the troops landed to the left of the 
town, from whence they dislodged a party of the enemy that 
opposed them, the ship opening her fire upon the citadel. 

" At twenty-two minutes past five a flag of truce was hoisted 
at the citadel, and the firing ceased. An officer came off" to 
apologize for the flag of truce being fired at by mistake, and to 
know what terms we would grant. Our answer was, that the 
garrison should surrender at discretion, and an hour given for 
deliberation ; at the expiration of which time a peremptory re- 
fusal was returned, and the firing recommenced on both sides ; 
the remainder of the troops were landed, and the heights occupied 
to the right and left of the town. At half-past eight, finding the 
citadel silenced, I ceased firing, to give the troops an opportunity 
of advancing to surround it, or to storm it if practicable, and sent 
a field piece to Lieutenant Willes to cover them. At eleven, a 
sharp fire of musketry took place between the advance posts and 
the enemy. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Baumgardt to move 
forward with a twelve pounder carronade, and place it on an emi- 
nence to the right of the citadel. I sent another to Lieutenant 
Willes on the left, with directions for the troops to fall back upon 
their guns, that the ship might renew her fire. By three a.m. the 
batteries were erected within three hundred yards to the right and 
left of the citadel, and Baron Peharnick sent me word that the 
troops had retreated into the rear of them. A heavy fire com- 
menced immediately, which was returned from the citadel. At four, 
a flag of truce came off" with proposals to surrender, on condition 
of the garrison being sent to Italy : this I positively refused, and 
continued firing till five minutes after six, when they surrendered 
at discretion. 

" I feel particularly grateful to Lieutenant Colonel Baron 
Peharnick for his active and cordial co-operation; the ability 
with which he posted his troops during the night, and his un- 
wearied exertions do him the greatest honour. He speaks in 
high terms of the officers and men belonging to H. M. S. under 



362 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

my command. It is with much satisfaction I corroborate his 
testimony, and add mine to the good conduct of the Imperial 
officers and troops. The Chasseurs particularly distinguished 
themselves. 

" I have had frequent opportunities to observe the merit of 
Lieutenant Willes first of the Spartan, and I do assure your Lord- 
ship, that in every part of his duty it is truly conspicuous. I am 
at a loss which to admire most, his intrepidity, zeal, or judgment. 

" The conduct of Lieutenant Baumgardt, second lieutenant, is 
equally meritorious upon this occasion ; both these officers had 
very considerable difficulties to encounter in getting their guns 
upon the height, and the activity with which this service was 
performed was a subject of admiration to our allies, and of sur- 
prise to our enemies, who deemed it impracticable. 

" From Mr. Slinner, the master, I experienced the greatest 
assistance, as well in working and placing the ship, as in directing 
the guns, having given him the command of the main deck in the 
absence of the other officers. 

" The Royal Marines under Lieutenants Fagan and Fotterell 
distinguished themselves so much by their steadiness and gal- 
lantry, that Baron Peharnick gave them the advanced post 
during the night within pistol shot of the enemy. It is but just 
to the petty officers and ship's company to say, that their coolness 
and cheerful exertions during such a variety of service, entitle 
them to my warmest approbation. They seemed to vie with 
each other in supporting the honour of their country, and fully 
succeeded. 

" I am happy to say that we have lost no one, only two Im- 
perialists and one English wounded. The ship has suffisred very 
little, having taken such a position as to be below the range of the 
enemy's guns, while the citadel was exposed to our fire, and 
nearly destroyed. The enemy had two killed and one wounded. 

" A number of merchant vessels were found in the port, but as 
it did not appear that they had ever navigated under the enemy's 
flag, and arc in general the property of the inhabitants, we have 
given them up ; two only, being Italians, were made prize of. 



Chap. XII. 



SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 



363 



'^The prisoners are to proceed to Fiiime, under the escort of 
the Imperial troops, excepting the officers, who are on board the 
Spartan to be landed at Trieste. 

" I have the honour to enclose a list of the garrison, guns, &c. 
and of the killed and wounded. 



" I have, &c. 



"J. BRENTON." 



To Vice- Admiral Lord Collingwood." 



List of Garrison, guns, military stores, ^c. found in the Citadel and 
Batteries of Lussin, lOth May, 1809. 



Infantry. 

1 Captain 
1 Lieutenant 

1 2nd ditto 
5 Serjeants 
7 Corporals 

2 Drummers 

90 Rank and File 



Rifle Corps. 

1 Captain 

1 2nd Lieutenant 

2 Serjeants 
2 Corporals 

41 Rank and File 



Iron Guns 24 pounders ,. = ••• 6 

6 " 7 

4 " 2 

2 » 1 

Brass Guns 4 r. 2 



Total 



18 



Killed and wounded — 

British wounded 2 

Austrian 1 



Artillery. 

1 Captain 
1 Serjeant Major 
1 Serjeant 
1 Bombardier 
1 Corporal 
14 Artillery men 

Total— 173. 



Muskets 568 

Blunderbusses 3 

Powder 30 barrels. 

A quantity of shot of every descrip- 
tion. 

Forge for heating shot apparatus 
complete. 

Provisions for garrison for 3 months. 

French killed — 
2 Rank and File. 
1 Ditto Wounded. 

« J. BRENTON." 



The nature and variety of the service in getting pos- 
session of Lussin, and the imperative duty of giving due 
credit to the Austrians for the share they had in the 
affair, unavoidably extended this letter to a great length. 



364 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

It may now, in justice to the oflScers and men engaged 
in the expeditions, which followed each other with so 
much rapidity between the 23rd of April and the 9th 
of May, be considered excusable to lay before the reader, 
Lord Collingwood's letter acknowledging the official 
communication. 

" ViLLE DE Paris, off Toulon, 10th June, 1809. 

" Sir, 

" I have received your let(er of the 27th April, 
and two of the 5th May. The first informing me of an attack 
made by the Spartan, Amphion, and Mercury, upon the town of 
Pesaro, on the 23rd April, and the capture of all the vessels in 
that port ; the latter describing your operations which were 
equally successful at the port of Cesenatico on the 2nd May. 

" The dexterity and skill with which these two important 
services were performed, are exceedingly satisfactory to me j and 
the sucesss with which they were attended, is an ample proof of 
the judicious arrangements made, and the ability with which the 
whole was conducted, and terminated without injury to the 
assailants. In Captains Hoste and Duncan you had able assist- 
ants, and the judicious conduct of Lieutenant Willes deserves the 
highest commendation. 

" I recommend you to have made a number of small iron 
wedges, about three inches long, for the purpose of bursting guns 
which you wish to destroy. Those spiked are soon restored to 
service again ; the wedge seldom fails to disable them entirely. 
The gun must be fired with a bit of slow match, to give time to 
remove out of tlie reach of explosion. 

'' I am, &c. 
" Signed, « COLLINGWOOD." 

On the 4th of July his Lordship gives the following 
answer to the official account of the capture of Lussin. 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 365 

" ViLLE DE Paris, off Toulon, 4th July, 1809. 
" Sir, 

" I have received your letter of the 12th May, 
informing me of your having attacked and taken the citadel and 
defences of the Island of Lussin, in which service Lieutenant 
Colonel Baron Peharnick and one hundred and eighty Austrians 
had co-operated. 

" The testimony you give of the zeal, enterprize, and good 
judgment of Lieutenant Willes on the occasion, and the meri- 
torious exertions of the other officers and men of the Spartan 
employed on this service, is exceedingly gratifying to me. 

" Could anything add to the satisfaction at the annoyance 
which you have given to the enemy, and the credit which has 
attached to His Majesty's arms, in the present instance, it would 
be the assurance you give of the active and cordial co-operation 
afforded by the Commander and troops of His Imperial Majesty. 

'' I am, &c. 

" COLLIN-GWOOD." 

In a letter from his Lordship to Lord Mulgrave, then 
First Lord of the Admiralty, he thus adverts to this 
affair. " I cannot say too much to your Lordship of 
the zeal and talent of Captain Brenton ; of these he 
gives proof whenever he is employed, and he seems to 
be everywhere. At Lussin he undertook and accom- 
plished a service which would have established a reputa- 
tion, had he never had another opportunity ; and now at 
Cerigo his conduct has not been less distinguished."'"' 

From Lussino the Spartan being joined by the Am- 
phion, Captain Brenton pushed for Trieste, and on his 
reaching the bay, received intelligence that the French 
army having crossed the Lizonzo, on the 13th, were in 

* Correspondence and Memoirs of Lord Collingwood, p. 554. 



H66 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIL 

possession of the heights of Optehina, commanding 
Trieste ; and while off Peran, on the 1 8th, they had the 
mortification to see them enter Trieste. The prizes 
which the httle squadron had taken at Pesaro, were all 
in that port, about six of the most valuable were seen 
coming out, and by the greatest exertion of the young 
midshipmen who had the charge of them, succeeded in 
getting under the guns of their own ships ; the others of 
course fell into the hands of the French, as did all those 
which had been taken at Cesenatico, and had been sent 
into Rovigno. As the vessels which escaped were not 
in a state to be sent to Malta, the two captains with the 
consent of their officers and people chartered two Greek 
polacre ships, on board of which they shipped their car- 
goes, and sent them to Malta; whilst they remained on 
the coast of Istria in readiness to act in any manner in 
which they could best afford assistance to the Austrian 
towns, now rapidly falling into the hands of the French. 
The following letter to Captain Brisbane, off Corfu, con- 
tains a detail of affairs at the time in the Adriatic. 

"Spartan, off Peran, 19th May, 1809. 

" Sir, 

" A corps of the French army, under General Miolis, 
passed the Lizonzo on the 13th ; and on the 17th, occupied the 
heights of Optehina, when a skirmish took place between the 
advanced posts and the Austrians. 

" It was reported that the enemy were prevented from entering 
Trieste by the vicinity of the Austrian General Giulai, who was 
at Laybach with 15,000 men, whilst General Zach, with a de- 
tachment was in possession of the pass of Prevolt. Yesterday, 
however, the enemy entered Trieste at ten a. m. from which 
circiunstunce I fear they arc no longer under apprehensions of 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 367 

being attacked by the Austrian army, and that they will form 
their junction with General Marmont in Dalmatia. They have 
also sent another corps to take possession of Fiume. 

"I think it of the highest importance that this intelligence 
should reach you as soon as possible, that you may forward it to 
Malta ; and at the same time stop any vessels that may be on 
their way to Trieste or Fiume. I cannot spare a ship, having 
only the Amphion with me. I therefore send this by a trabacolo. 

" The Thames is off Venice, I have sent a vessel to recall her, 
and upon her joining, I trust we shall be able to prevent the 
Russians * from going to Ancona, which (in the event of the 
French having only taken possession of this country for the 
purpose of pillage, and with the intention of falling back again) 
I think it likely they may be obliged to attempt. 

" If there are only the two French frigates at Corfu, and you 
have received no further information, since your last by the 
Thames, you will immediately send what sloops of war you may 
have under your orders to join me between Lussino and Ancona. 

" The Island of Lussin, captured by His Majesty's ship under 
my command, and two companies of Imperial troops, on the 10th 
instant, proves to be at this moment a most valuable acquisition. 
Thither all the vessels and merchants from Istria have repaired, 
and it affords a port for the Austrian flotilla. Should there be 
no hopes of the Austrians regaining possession of the coast, they 
will all proceed to Malta, or Sicily, for which purpose I am 
particularly anxious to have some disposable vessels of war. 

^* I am, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 
" To Captain Brisbane, 

" (Or the Captain of any of H.M.S. off Corfu.)" 

Captain Brenton was fully aware of his very great 
responsibility in thus continuing in the Adriatic, not- 
withstanding the order he had received from Lord Col- 

* Three Russian line of battle ?hips which had been long at Trieste. 



368 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

lingwood, to leave that station ; and he also well knew 
how rigid his Lordship was in exacting the most impli- 
cit obedience to his commands. He felt however that 
an imperative duty called upon him to give all the aid 
in his power to the Austrians, with whose precise situa- 
tion the Admiral could not be acquainted. He there- 
fore wrote the following letter to account for his con- 
duct. 

"Spartan, off Lussin, 26tli May, 1809. 

'' My Lord, 

^'Ttie Redwing has just joined me with your Lord- 
ship's orders of the 18th April, which I should have put into 
immediate execution, but from the important and unexpected 
events which have taken place in the vicinity, since they were 
written. 

" The success of the Arch-duke Charles on the 21st ult. was 
followed by a reverse ; the left wing of the Austrian army being 
defeated. The Arch-duke was in consequence obliged to retreat 
towards Vienna, and the Arch-duke John, who had advanced as 
far as Verona, was under the necessity of falling back first to 
Corneoliano, and afterwards to Villach. The French under 
General Miolis, taking advantage of this movement, passed the 
Lizonzo on tlie 13th with tlie intention of taking possession of 
Trieste, which occasioned a general panic in that city, and induced 
many of the merchants and inhabitants to fly with their property 
on board of such vessels as they could procure in the port. 

" Tlie capture made by H. M. S. under my command, assisted 
by two companies of Croatian troops, on the 10th instant, off the 
Island of Lussin, (a detail of which I have the honour to enclose 
for your Lordship's information) has become of much importance 
in afl'urding tlicni a safe harbour. 

'' The Si)artan and Amphion arrived off Trieste on the 16th, 
and found the heights of Optehiiia occupied by the enemy. The 
Austrian tiotilla coiujisling of two brigs, and nine gun boats under 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOK 369 

sail in the bay, and a number of vessels of every description in a 
state of utmost distress and confusion from the precipitate de- 
parture. 

" The Russian squadron was at the same time ready for sea. 
The Imperial vessels anchored on the 17th in the bay of Peran 
in order to complete their equipment. The French marched into 
Trieste on the same day. On the 18th the Spartan and Amphion 
anchored in Peran. I had dispatched the Imperial brig to recall 
the Thames, which arrived on the 19th. The Imperial convoy 
sailed on the 20th for Lussin, and on the 21st His Majesty's ships 
left the bay. 

" Under the idea that a junction might be formed between 
the Russian squadron, and that of the French in Ancona, it was 
my intention to have endeavoured to burn the latter with rockets, 
and accordingly directed our course towards the latter place, 
but calms prevented our getting further than Rimini before last 
night, when anxious lest H. M. ships might be wanted on the 
coast of Dalmatia, and the wind coming to the southward, I 
pushed for the place where we have just arrived, the convoy 
having anchored only a few hours before us. 

" The latest accounts we can procure are as follow, that the 
French still occupy Trieste, and that they are hourly expected at 
Fiume, which the Austrian troops and gun vessels have quitted and 
gone to Segna : that General Meydick is still successful in Dalma- 
tia, and that General Marmont is shut up in Zara, from whence it is 
probable he will, (if not relieved by the army from Istria,) 
endeavour to make his escape. Colonel Meydick commanding 
the Imperial flotilla at Segna, is very urgent for the co-operation 
of the British frigates. 

" The vessels which have taken refuge in Lussin, as well as the 
island itself, are in great distress from the want of provisions, &c. 
and from the state in which we left them, the batteries are very 
defenceless. 

" Having seriously considered all these circumstances, and the 
effect which might at such a moment be produced upon the mind 
of the inhabitants by that force being weakened, which they are 

2 B 



370 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

so accustomed to look up to for protection ; I trust I shall only 
anticipate your Lordship's wishes by remaining on the coast, 
until the senior officer off Corfu can be informed of the situation 
of affairs. 

" I wrote to Captain Brisbane on the subject, on the 19th, by 
an Austrian brig, but am informed that she has only sailed for 
Corfu this morning. I shall therefore dispatch the Redwing with 
this, and with the Amphion and Thames use our utmost efforts in 
assisting the Austrian army in fortifying the island, and facilita- 
ting (if necessary) the evacuation of Fiume and Segna. 

'^ Several reports corresponding in general with each other, 
particularly as to dates, have lately reached us of a battle having 
taken place near Schoenbrun, and that the Imperialists had beaten 
the French, but little confidence is placed in them. The pass of 
Prevalt is however believed to be still in possession of General 
Giulai with 15,000 Croatians, which accounts for the French 
not having advanced more rapidly in that quarter. 

" I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
" To Vice-Admiral Lobd Collingwood." 

On the 28th May, while off Lussiii with the Spartan 
and Amphion, Captain Brenton fell in with a squadron 
of line of battle ships under Captain Hargood, consist- 
ing of the Northumberland, Excellent, and Montagu ; 
and no sooner had the Commander received Captain 
Brenton's report of the state of Trieste, than he decided 
upon making an immediate attack upon the Russian 
squadron in that port, and made all sail for it, sending 
the Spartan and Amphion a-head. The squadron got 
into the bay at day-light on the 29th, and had the 
wind continued, would undoubtedly have succeeded in 
their object without much loss; but the line of battle 
ships were first becalmed on the south shore, and after- 



Chap, XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 371 

wards involved in one of those extraordinary currents so 
common in the Adriatic, that although apparently hav- 
ing sufficient way for steerage, yet with every sail full, 
neither helm or sails had any power over the ships, 
which were to use the common phrase among seamen, 
completely in irons ; whilst at the same time, the Spartan 
and Amphion, not a league to the northward, were per- 
fectly free. 

This most mortifying detention continued until ^ve 
o'clock in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, and 
the influence of the current was no longer felt ; but the 
Russians and the French had made good use of their 
time. They had from four o'clock in the morning a 
conviction that an attack was intended ; and the Russian 
ships were hauled close into shore, and moored head 
and stern with their broadsides commanding the en- 
trance of the harbour. Their inside guns were landed, 
and batteries made with them all along the Eastern, 
and Northern shores of the bay, manned with French 
troops ; they had also forges for heating shot, and every 
preparation for a vigorous defence, which fourteen hours 
could give them, assisted as they were by several thou- 
sands of French troops. These preparations passed 
under the immediate notice of Captain Brenton and 
Captain Hoste, who were together the whole day, and 
could see all the operations of the enemy through their 
spy-glasses, frequently going together on board the 
Commodore to make their report during the day. Both 
agreed that in the early part of the day, success to the 
British Squadron might be considered as certain ; but 
they were also both of opinion that as the day declined, 



372 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

the prospect was clouded over ; and long before six 
o'clock they had expressed their conviction to the Com- 
modore that an attack would be hopeless. At this hour 
when the sea breeze set in, the Commodore taking Cap- 
tain Brenton into his cabin, requested he would give a 
decided oflBcial opinion as to the expediency of making 
an attempt upon the Russian ships. To which Captain 
Brenton answered, " Were I in your place commanding 
this squadron, I certainly would not make the attempt ; 
the enemy are now too strong, and the hazard to the 
British squadron would be too great." The Commo- 
dore requested the first Lieutenant might be sent for to 
hear this opinion, when Captain Brenton said, " If you 
will turn the hands up on the quarter deck, I will re- 
peat what I have said, before the whole ship's com- 
pany.'' This was deemed conclusive, and the signal 
was made immediately for the squadron to haul their 
wind. Some dissatisfaction was manifested at this de- 
cision, and expressed to the great annoyance of the Com- 
modore ; but a moment's consideration would have con- 
vinced the most ardent and intrepid officer in the navy, 
that not only all chance of success was out of the ques- 
tion, but that the retreat of the British Squadron from 
the port would have been very doubtful, if possible. The 
sea breeze had set in fresh at six o'clock, and would, in 
all probability, have lasted till midnight. Under such 
circumstances how was a crippled ship to have made 
her retreat ? and what must have been the situation of 
the squadron, exposed to the fire of three line of battle 
sliips, converted into floating batteries, their guns from 
the side next the shore all landed and become heavy 



Chap. XII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOK 373 

batteries, manned with French troops, and at least 5000 
of these occupying Trieste 1 Captain Brenton and 
Captain Hoste never ceased to congratulate themselves 
as having been the means of saving the squadron 
from the most severe loss, if not from destruction. 

The Squadron now proceeded to the coast of Ro- 
magna, and another attack was made upon the town 
of Pesaro. Captains Brenton and Hoste landed in the 
command of the Marines, but troops arriving from all 
parts, the Commodore found it expedient to call off the 
attacking party. (Note in the Life of Sir Wm, Hoste, 
Vol. 1. p.341.) 

On the 5th of June the Spartan was ordered to pro- 
ceed to Malta to refit, and complete her stores and pro- 
visions, and from thence to go to Messina, and form a 
part of Rear Admiral Martin's squadron for the defence 
of Sicily. In the latter end of June she left Malta ; 
proceeded to Messina, and was from thence ordered off 
Naples to join the Squadron employed under Rear Ad- 
miral Martin, in co-operating with the British forces 
under Major General Stuart, which had taken possession 
of the Islands of Ischia and Procida. 

Captain Brenton shortly after received the following 
letter from Lord CoUingwood, dated, — 



ViLLE DE PaEIS, OFF ToULON, 30th JuLY, 1809. 



" Sir, 



" I have received your letter of the 26th May, stat- 
ing* to me your reasons for remaining in the Adriatic, after the 
receipt of my order of the 18th of April, and detailing your pro- 
ceedings. Under the circumstances you have represented, I fully 
approve of your having continued in that sea, until Captain Har- 



374 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

wood joined, and I feel much satisfaction, Sir, in this opportunity 
of signifying the high sense I entertain of your judicious measures, 
and active services, both in aid of the Austrians, and for the an- 
noyance of the enemy, while you were in the Adriatic sea ; but 
there were more ships in that quarter, than the state of the fleet 
would admit of, which obliged me to recall the Spartan. 

" I am, Sir, &c. 

" COLLIN GWOOD." 

"Captain Brenton, 

'•H.M.S. Spartan." 

Captain Brenton^s mind was completely set at rest 
by this letter, which not only conveyed approbation of 
the responsibility he had incurred, but expressed high 
commendation for his conduct, and even as it were 
apologized for recalling him from the Adriatic, which to 
those who know Lord ColKngwood, will appear as a 
very strong testimony of his approval. This testimony 
was subsequently confirmed by the following letter. 

" ViLLE DE Paris, at Sea, 5th Nov. 1809. 
'' Sir, 

" Having transmitted to the Secretary of the Ad- 
miralty your letter describing the particulars of the attack made 
on the fort, and defences of the Island of Lussin, and of the sur- 
rounding Islands, I am commanded by their Lordships to convey 
their sentiments of admiration at the intrepidity, zeal, and judg- 
ment so eminently displayed on that occasion, and 1 beg you will 
please to communicate the same to the officers, seamen, and ma- 
rines, em])loyed under your orders on that service. 

" I am, &c. 



*' Captain Brenton, 
" II.M.S. Spartan.' 



COLLINGWOOD." 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 375 



CHAPTER XIII, 



RETURN TO MALTA TO REFIT. — SUDDEN OFFER OF JOINING THE EXPEDITION 
AGAINST THE IONIAN ISLANDS AS SUDDENLY ACCEPTED. — CAPTURE OF 
ZANTE, CEPHALONIA, AND CERIGO, — APPROBATION OF LORD COLLINGWOOD. — 
CRUIZE ON THE COAST OF ITALY. — ACTION OFF NAPLES, VICTORY, AND 
SEVERE WOUND ; CARRIED TO PALERMO AND MALTA. — LETTERS ON THE 
SUBJECT, AND EXTRACT FROM HIS PERSONAL MEMORANDA. — SAILS FOR 
ENGLAND. 



After the evacuation of these Islands, the Spartan was 
sent to convey the Sicihan troops to Palermo, and from 
thence was ordered to Messina. It was at this time that 
her Captain first heard, in a conversation with the 
Commander of the Forces, Sir John Stuart, and Captain 
Spranger, the senior Captain of that Port, of an in- 
tended attack upon the Ionian Islands, when Captain 
Spranger mentioned that the Spartan was to be one of 
the squadron for that expedition. The ship however 
having been ordered subsequently to Malta to refit, 
was sent from thence to Palermo ; but having met 
with bad weather off Pantellaria, and received much 
injury in the foremast, they were under the neces- 
sity of bearing up again for Malta, and the ship 
was hauled under the shear for the purpose of 
having the mast taken out. Whilst undergoing this 



376 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

repair in the latter end of September, Captain Brenton 
was dining with Sir Alexander Ball, the Port Admiral 
at Sant Antonio, and after dinner Sir Alexander took 
him aside, and communicated to him a letter which he 
had just received from Captain Spranger at Messina, 
informing him that the expedition against the Ionian 
Islands was on the point of sailing, but no mention 
was made of the Spartan, as that ship was considered 
as detached, or on other service. Captain Brenton 
repeated to Sir Alexander the conversation above 
alluded to with Captain Spranger respecting the expe- 
dition ; and requested, as the service upon which he 
had been recently employed, was not of very great im- 
portance, that he might be dispatched to Zante, the first 
Island to be attacked, where he might yet be in time. 
Sir Alexander expressed his apprehension that from the 
state in which the Spartan then was, she could not be 
ready for some days, and that it would be consequently 
too late. Captain Brenton urged that he might be per- 
mitted to make the trial ; and having received the sanc- 
tion of his kind friend, immediately set ofi" for Valletta. 
By the time he could get on board the ship at the dock 
yard it was nearly nine o'clock, and the people were all 
in their hammocks ; but the hands were at once turned 
up, and no sooner was the cause known, than all was 
joy and alacrity. The foremast had been got, in that 
evening, but the rigging was on shore. The keys of the 
dock-yard, with the attendance of the officers was forth- 
with f)rocurcd ; the spars for making the topsail yards 
were got upon the quarter-deck, and the carpenters of 
the sliip employed in making them. Before daylight 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 377 

great progress was made in rigging the ship. The ar- 
tificers of the dock-yard now came on board, and caulk- 
ing and other repairs went on rapidly. By five o'clock 
in the evening the ship began to warp down to the en- 
trance of the harbour, and as no powder could be re- 
ceived on board while in the dockyard, the launch was 
sent to receive it at the magazine ; and to wait in Bizzy 
Bay for the ship. At six o'clock the artificers were put 
into their boats, leaving much of their work undone, and 
even the caulking stages hanging over the side. The 
ship made sail with a fair wind out of the harbour, and 
picking up the launch, ran clear of the port, when the 
powder was taken on board, the boats hoisted in, and 
all sail made for Zante, where they arrived on the 
morning of the 8th, but no ships were seen there. Cap- 
tain Brenton immediately proceeded to make his obser- 
vations as to the batteries and landing, with whatever 
other remarks which might be useful in making the at- 
tack ; and having passed the day in this service, the 
next morning when running round the N.E. end of the 
Island, he had the pleasure of seeing the Warrior, Belle 
Poule, Philomel, and transports. He was on board the 
Warrior at seven, to the great surprize of Captain 
Spranger, who was much gratified by the information 
Captain Brenton had brought him, and on which the 
General (Oswald) and the Commander immediately 
began to form the plan of attack. The troops landed 
the following morning under cover of the Spartan and 
Belle Poule's guns, and after a very little resistance a 
flag of truce was hung out from the fortress, and in the 
course of the evening the Island surrendered. 



378 IMEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

On the 10th the Commodore proceeded next to at- 
tack Cephalonia, the Commandant of which surrendered 
without resistance, on the squadron entering the bay ; 
and as soon as it was taken possession of, Captain Spran- 
ger detached Captain Brenton in the Spartan, with two 
companies of the 35th regiment to attack Cerigo ; per- 
mitting him to call on his way off Zante, and to take 
one of the prizes captured there with the Island, a beau- 
tiful brigantine, which he was to man from the Spartan, 
and with a portion of the 35th to accompany him in at- 
tacking Cerigo. The Spartan arrived off Cerigo, and as 
Captain Spranger's orders were positive as to running 
no risk of losing men, in the event of the enemy being 
found in force, and as a large body of troops were seen 
in the castle of Capsali, a very strong fortress, and a 
detachment at the port in the Bay of Capsali ; some 
doubt was entertained by Captain Brenton and Major 
Clarke commanding the detachment of the 35th, as to 
the propriety of making the attack. Captain Brenton 
quoted Lord Nelson's sentiments upon such a case. 
" Whenever there is a doubt," said the hero, " always 
fight ; the pubHc will bear you out, whatever may be 
the consequences f and this at once decided the ques- 
tion. — The following letter gives the particulars of the 
result of this conclusion. 

" Spartan, off the Island of Cerigo, 
13th October, 1809. 
"Sin, 

*Mn my last from Zante I expressed a hope that we 
luijj^lit he ahle to reduce the Ishirid of Cerigo, without any further 
reinforcement ; this idea was strengthened by papers found upon 
the Governor of the Island, made prisoner at Zante. 



Chap.xiii. sir jahleel brenton. 379 

" Major Clarke and myself decided upon making the first 
attack upon the forts and harbour of Arlemmino, in order to 
prevent the escape of any vessels which might be there. The 
forts are those of San Nicholas and San Joaquim. The first is a 
stone building mounting nine guns, the latter an embrasure bat- 
tery of four guns. At four p.m. on the 9th, we ran into the bay, 
the forts opened upon us, but were both silenced in a few minutes 
by the ship and tender, whilst the troops under Major Clarke 
landing, made several prisoners ; the enemy had one killed and 
one wounded upon this occasion ; one man of the 35th was 
wounded on our side. 

"At day-light on the 10th, we weighed with the intention of 
immediately attacking the castle of Capsali, in the bay of Cerigo ; 
but variable winds prevented our getting round. 

" At two p. m. the troops and marines were landed in a small 
cove in the bay of San Nicholas, and marched forward towards 
the castle, one watch of the Spartan following with three field 
pieces. 

" I landed with the troops that I might be enabled to command 
the resources of the ship by signal, without the delay of sending 
messages ; foreseeing that she could not be brought to act against 
the castle, while the wind continued southerly. 

" The nature of the country rendered our approach to the castle 
extremely diflicult, particularly for the guns which did not arrive 
till ten o'clock on the 11th instant, at the position which the 
troops occupied ; a height on a level with the castle and within fonr 
hundred yards of it. A fire commenced on both sides with guns 
and musketry, which continued the greater part of the day. In 
the evening some rockets were landed from the ship, and in the 
course of the night some of them were thrown at the citadel. At 
daylight I ordered two twelve pounders to be landed from the 
ship, but before they could be got on shore, a flag of truce came 
out, with an offer of surrendering, provided the garrison were 
allowed to retire to Corfu. This was refused, and after some 
deliberation, the Commandant surrendered on the same terms as 
were granted to Zante and Cephalonia. 

"At ten o'clock our troops took possession of the castle. 



380 



MEMOIR OF 



Chap. XIII. 



" It is to the zeal and ability of Major Clarke, and the judicious 
arrangements he made of the force under his command, that the 
speedy reduction of this strong fort is to be attributed. The 
enemy were cut off from any prospect of relief or escape, and 
were convinced that our means of offence were hourly increasing. 

" I cannot speak too highly of the officers and men of both 
services, as well in respect to their cheerful perseverance under 
fatigue, as to their gallantry when opposed to the enemy. 

" I am happy to say that our loss has been much less than 
might have been expected ; one bombardier of the Royal Artillery 
killed, two privates of the 35th wounded. 

" I cannot in justice to Lieutenant Willes, first of the Spartan, 
close this letter without saying, that fort San Joaquim of two 
eighteen, and two nine pounders, was completely silenced by the 
gallant manner in which he attacked it in the tender, with a party 
of the 35th Regiment on board. 

^' The inhabitants of the island received us with demonstrations 
of joy. I have sent Lieutenant Willes in the tender with the 
dispatches, and I shall remain off this place till I receive your 
further directions. 

" I enclose for your information the articles of capitulation, 

together with a list of artillery, &c. &c. found on the island. 

" I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
"Captain Spranger, &c. &c. 

" Warrior." 



Prisoners. 

Officers 

Non-commissioned ditto . 
Hank and file .... 



9 



. 89 
104 



Guns taken. 

Twenty-four pounders ... 1 

Eighteen ditto ...... 3 

Fifteen ditto 1 

Fourteen ditto 4 

Nine ditto 21 

Six ditto 4 

Two ditto 2 

One ditto 1 

Eighteen ditto Carronades . . 2 



► 



Chap. XIIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 381 

It is stated in the official letter respecting the cap- 
ture of Cerigo, that the Governor of this Island was 
made a prisoner on the taking of Zante, and that papers 
containing much useful information had been found upon 
him. Amongst others, was the copy of a letter from 
him to the Governor of Corfu, stating that some Mai- 
notes (natives of the Morea) having landed on the Is- 
land of Cerigo, he had endeavoured in vain to drive 
them off again, but not succeeding by his arguments — 
he added, — " Enfin je me suis aviso de leur fair empoi- 
soner les eaux, et par ce moyen quelques uns de ces 
miserables ont peri, et les autres s'eufuirent/' Appalling 
as such an acknowledgment may be, and evidently 
given to the Governor of Corfu as a happy stratagem, 
for which the abominable perpetrator took credit, it 
had quite escaped the recollection of Captain Brenton ; 
and his whole party might have become the victims of 
this unheard of system of treachery, but for the advice 
of a Greek Priest, who came to the British officers in 
the night, whilst on their march to attack the Castle of 
Capsali, and recommended that they should immedi- 
ately place sentinels on the stream from which they 
took their water, and accurately examine it, if possible, 
to its source. He then repeated the story of poisoning 
the Mainotes, and explained how it had been done. A 
vast quantity of arsenic had been put into the body of 
a dead hog, and placed in the stream, above the spot 
where these people had encamped, and the water filter- 
ing through it became a deadly poison. On taking 
possession of the castle. Captain Brenton asked the 
Governor's housekeeper whether the story was true ; 



382 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

her answer was quite in character with the establish- 
ment to which she belonged, " E vero/' said she, " ma 
non cattivo.^^ 

After the capture of the Ionian Islands, the squadron 
under Captain Spranger with the troops returned to 
Sicily, and Captain Brenton was left to cruize off the 
Islands, in order to be in readiness to give any assist- 
ance that might be required. 

The following are Captain Brenton's own reflections 
at this period of his life. 

"After the capture of Cerigo all active service ceased 
for the remainder of the year. I had the gratifying 
experience of having entirely gained the good opinion 
and confidence of the Commander in Chief You will 
not fail, my darling children, to observe, and I hope with 
sincere gratitude, the blessings bestowed upon your 
father by a kind providence, which made the most un- 
toward and unpromising circumstances turn out to his 
advantage ; w^hich preserved his life from the violence 
of the enemy, and the danger of the seas ; and strength- 
ened his health under every trial. ' ! that men 
would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and 
the wonders that he doth to the children of men.' This 
delightful verse ought never to be absent from our 
minds, when we contemplate the numerous blessings 
we have received." 

While thus employed, he was naturally anxious to 
become acquainted with the resources of these Islands, 
and to learn the dispositions of the inhabitants towards 
their new allies ; for in that light only could the English 
be considered ; as they had, on hauling down the French 



Chap. XIIL SIE JAHLEEL BKENTON. 383 

flag, not hoisted their own, but that of the Septinsular 
Repubhc. The following letter to Lord Colling wood, 
will give in a condensed form, the substance of the in- 
formation he had obtained. 

" Spartan, Harbour of Argostoli, Cephalonia, 
I7tli November, 1809. 
" My Lord, 

" I beg leave to enclose for your Lordship's infor- 
mation a statistical account of this Island which Colonel Lowe* 
of the Corsican Rangers, Commandant of the Island, has had the 
goodness to procure for me, with the addition of his own rem. arks. 
I also enclose a table of the exports as well as the imports of the 
years 1793, 1800, and 1808. 

" I selected these periods in order to ascertain the comparative 
state of commerce under the Venetians, Russians, and French. I 
send also a list of the shipping belonging to Cephalonia for this 
year. I am under great obligations to Colonel Lowe for obtain- 
ing every part of this information for me. 

" The inhabitants seem very solicitous to enter into commercial 
speculations, but appear at the same time to be restrained by 
timidity, and want of confidence in themselves, from prosecuting 
them to any great extent. This I conclude will soon wear off. 

" They have applied for permission to navigate under the 
British flag, but as that could not be granted, they have requested 
to be allowed a convoy to Malta. I have assured them of your 
Lordship's wish to promote as much as possible the prosperity of 
the Island, and have directed them to get their vessels in readi- 
ness for any convoy that might offer. Several have already 
arrived here from Zante in consequence. 

"The Spider has arrived here from Messina with two trans- 
ports, and with orders to take back five others to that place, 
which are required for the service of the army in Sicily : she will 
at the same time escort the prisoners taken at Cerigo. I shall 

* The late Lieutenant General Sir Hudson LoT\-e. 



384 MEMOIR OF Chap. XII. 

direct her commander to give protection to such Septinsular ves- 
sels, as their owners may think proper to send, and having seen 
the transports safe into Messina, to convoy the trade to Malta, 
to which place he is directed to return by his original orders. 

" Should your Lordship think proper to allow this port to be a 
rendezvous for the convoy hitherto sent to Patras, it is admirably 
situated for the purpose ; and by this island becoming a depot for 
British manufactures and colonial produce, it would insure not 
only to Cephalonia, but to Zante also, abundant supplies of corn 
and cattle by the vessels coming from the Morea, and the Islands 
of the Archipelago. The want of corn begins to be already felt, 
so much so that speculations are talked of, for procuring it even 
from Malta. 

" From what I can judge of the island, by the little I have had 
an opportunity of seeing, it appears to me, that by industry and 
confidence, its produce in most instances would be greatly aug- 
mented in a very short time. The soil is excellent, and scarcely 
a tenth part of the island is cultivated. 

" I went a few miles inland with Colonel Lowe, in order to 
examine the nature of the forest, but was prevented by the 
weather from effecting my intentions. From all I can learn, 
many valuable spars may be procured here, and some timber at a 
cheap rate. The woods are all in the hands of the government, 
which would gladly enter into a contract to bring the timber to 
the water side. Colonel Lowe is endeavouring to procure an 
exact description of the trees, and the price they would probably 
fetch when ready for embarkation, which I shall forward to your 
Lordship b)'' the earliest conveyance. I enclose also a survey of 
this harbour taken by Mr. Glen, the master of the Warrior. 

"I have, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 

"Vice Admiral Lord Collinqwood." 

Captain Brenton soon after received the following 
gratifying letter from the Commander in chief upon the 
subject of the attack upon Cerigo. 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 385 

" ViLLE DE Paris, at Sea, 1st Nov. 1809. 
" Sir, 

" I have received from Rear Admiral Martin your 
letter of the 13th ult. with its enclosures directed to Captain 
Spranger of the Warrior, detailing your proceedings in the Spar- 
tan with a detachment of troops in the reduction of the island of 
Cerigo. 

" It affords me great satisfaction in having again to express my 
warmest approbation of that zeal and ability, which have so 
eminently distinguished your services, particularly within the 
last six months, to the great annoyance of the enemy. And the 
speedy reduction of so strong a fort as Cerigo, with so small 
a loss, bespeaks that judicious management which commands 
success. 

" Your report of the gallantry and good conduct of Lieutenant 
Willes is highly creditable to that officer, and I have not failed to 
point out his merits in this and former cases to the Lords of the 
Admiralty. 

^' I am, &c. 

"COLLINGWOOD." 
" To Captain Brenion, 

"H.M.S. Spartan." 

This letter was followed by another in the month of 
January, 1810. 

♦'Yille de Paris, at Sea, 16th Jan. 1810. 
" Sir, 

" Having communicated to the Lords Commissioners 
of the Admiralty your proceedings at Cerigo when that island 
was reduced, I have great pleasure in informing you. Sir, that 
their Lordships have been pleased to express their great satisfac- 
tion at the ability with which you conducted that service, and the 
spirit with which it was executed by the officers and ship's com- 
pany of the Spartan. 

'^ I am, Sir, &c. 

"COLLINGWOOD." 
'* Captain Bbenton, Spartan." 

2 c 



386 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

Earlj in December the Spartan was ordered to 
proceed to Malta and refit, and in the beginning of 
January she sailed for Messina, and resumed her 
station under the command of Rear Admiral Martin, 
by whom Captain Brenton was sent off to Naples, in 
order to watch the movements of Murat, and his army 
intended for the invasion of Sicily. During the month 
of March he remained by the Rear Admiral's direc- 
tions in the port of Messina, to direct the movements 
of the frigates and small vessels under the Rear Ad- 
miral's command, and to render all the assistance in 
his power to the British army charged with the defence 
of Sicily. Early in April he sailed for Naples, and 
continued cruising between that place, and the Island 
of Sicily, but without any material circumstance occur- 
ring until the 25 th ; when on that morning, being off 
Terracina with the Success and Espoir in company, 
several vessels were observed coming along shore, to 
which the British squadron immediately gave chase. 
The enemy ran for Terracina, and anchored in a small 
bay near the town, defended by two batteries, the 
following is Captain Brenton's official letter to Rear 
Admiral Martin. 



" Spaktan, Gulf of Gaeta, 25th April, 1810. 
" Sir, 

"This morning, at nine a.m. we observed several 
sail of merchant vessels between Monte Circello and Terracina, 
and immediately gave chase to them in company with the Success 
and Espoir. The enemy reached Terracina, and anchored in a 
small bay within pistol shot of the town, under the protection of 
two batteries and a number of troops which occupied an extensive 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BKENTON. 387 

range of buildings. The crews of tlie vessels, one of which had 
guns, remaining on board for the purpose of defending them ; the 
vessels were moored to the shore. I made the signal to prepare 
for anchoring, directing the Espoir to stand in and sound. She 
found twelve fathoms within half a mile of the batteries, a position 
which the Spartan and Success immediately occupied, and opened 
their fire upon the batteries ; the armed boats of the two frigates 
covered by the Espoir then pushed in, boarded the ships (as per 
margin) and brought them out under an incessant fire of mus- 
ketry from the store houses ', the batteries being nearly silenced 
by the ships and sloop. Four or five small vessels had taken 
refuge under the town, but were hauled so near the shore, that I 
would not run the risk of exposing the people to a destructive 
fire, for an object of no importance, and made the signal to 
weigh. 

" The firing began at thirty-six minutes past twelve, and con- 
tinued till twenty minutes past one. I am happy to say we had 
a very small loss. I feel much indebted to Captain Ayscough of 
the Success, for the assistance received from him, and particularly 
to Captain Milford of the Espoir. From the light draught of 
water of the brig, I directed her to cover the boats, which was 
done in a most gallant and judicious manner, running close in 
shore and annoying the enemy with grape. 

" The armed boats were under the command of Lieutenant 
Baumgardt, second of the Spartan, and the manner in which he 
led them to the attack was such, as to gain the admiration of all 
who witnessed it. He speaks in high terms of Lieutenant Sartor- 
ious, commanding the boats of the Success. Lieutenant Willes, 
first of the Spartan, of whose gallant coxiduct, I have had such 
frequent occasion to speak, was prevented by illness from taking 
this service upon himself as usual, but gave every possible assist- 
ance on board. 

" Captain George Hoste of the Royal Engineers, accompanied 
me on this cruize, for the purpose of reconnoitring the enemy's 
batteries on the coast ; his exertions were extremely useful in 
supplying the place of the absent officers at tlie guns. 



388 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

" I never witnessed more zeal and good conduct than was 
displayed by all classes upon this occasion. 

LIST OF VESSELS TAKEN. 

1 Santa Rosalia ship six guns wine, lead and ore 

2 Name unknown barque " lead ore 

3 " " " lead ore 

4 u rt It lead ore 

^* I have the honour to be, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 
' Rear Admiral Martin, &c. &c. &c." 

The little squadron continued cruizing off the bay of 
Naples until the 30th of April, when the Espoir was 
detached with the usual report of the enemy's vessels 
to the Rear Admiral. 

In the midst of this trying, stirring, anxious life, it 
may be well to introduce an extract from a letter 
written home at this period, which shews that the 
energy and firmness of professional character were not 
incompatible with those softer feelings which form the 
happiness of domestic life ; but that one principle 
suggested and supplied the elements of each. 

"Spartan, off Trepani, 12th April, 1810. 

" Four years from this time, if my memory is correct, 
we had just taken up our residence at that earthly paradise, the 
Petits Capucins ; and how little did we then think, that in 
the course of such a period as has elapsed, so many events would 
liave occurred ; that I should have had my liberty, and have 
passed three years on a foreii^n station. 

" I know not what at this moment gave rise to these reflections ; 
but this I know, that the retrospect excites gratitude, and that I 



Chap XIII. SIR JAULEEL BRENTON. 389 

feel the fullest confidence for the future. From the same causes, 
perhaps at the end of the next four years, we may all be assem- 
bled, and offering up together our thanks for the innumerable 

blessings we have received. will perhaps say I am 

psalm-singing agaiu ; but be it so ; I take peculiar pleasure in 
recurring to the past, and often think there are very few who 
have had so much prosperity with so little ground to hope for it. 

'^ Many have been more fortunate, but multitudes less so ; and 
as to my captivity ; I would not part with the remembrance of it 
for five thousand pounds. It was the happiest part of my life, 
and is always present to my recollection. The test of real happi- 
ness is to be sensible of it at the time ; and that I recollect was 
my case, particularly when walking in the little avenue above the 
alcove. A fine moonlight evening, and having nothing to do, 
have turned my thoughts that way, and I felt inclined to put them 
on paper for your benefit." 

On the 1st of May, the Spartan and Success having 
been a little to the northward of Ischia, Captain 
Brenton on re-entering the bay of Naples in the after- 
noon of that day, was not a little surprised to find the 
enemy's squadron so far out in the bay, as to give him 
a very reasonable prospect of bringing them to action, 
before they could regain the mole ; and every sail was 
instantly set, and every effort made by both ships for 
this purpose ; but the unsteadiness of the wind favoured 
them, and they were under shelter of the guns of Naples, 
before the two frigates could get within gun shot. 
This was felt by every one as a severe disappointment, 
and particularly by Captain Brenton, to whom this 
appeared as a golden opportunity snatched from him. 
The two frigates remained in the bay all the following 
day, the weather being squally, and the wind all round 



390 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

tlie compass. Captain Brenton having given up all 
hopes that the enemy would venture out, as long as the 
Success was in company, made the signal for her 
Captain, and gave him orders to proceed ten leagues 
S.W. of the Island of Capri, thinking it probable that 
if only one frigate were in sight of the signal posts in 
the morning, the enemy would not hesitate with 
their superior force, consisting of a frigate of forty 
guns, a corvette of twenty-eight, a cutter of ten, and 
eight heavy gun boats, to attack her ; especially should 
she be near their own batteries, under which they 
might retreat in case of being crippled. 

In this he was not disappointed, for at six o'clock in 
the morning the whole squadron was seen coming out 
of the mole, and steering directly for the Spartan. The 
following is the official account of this, the last action 
in which Captain Brenton was engaged ; as the wound 
received upon this occasion prevented his serving afloat 
for any length of time. 

" SrARTAN, OFF THK Bay OF Naples, 3rd May, 1810. 

"Sir, 

" On the 1st instant, His Majesty's ships SjKirtan 
and Success chased the French squadi'on, consisting of one 
frigate of forty-two guns and three hundred and fifty men, one 
corvette of twenty-eight guns and two hundred and sixty men, 
one brig of eight guns and ninety-eight men, one cutter of ten 
guns and eighty men. They succeeded in getting into the mole 
of Naples, favoured by light and partial breezes. 

" As I was sensible they would never leave that place of refuge, 
while two British frigates were in the bay, I directed Captain 
AvHCongh t(» remnin in the Success on my rendezvous, from five 



1 



Chap. XIIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 391 

to ten leagues S.W. of the island of Capri, continuing with the 
Spartan in the bay of Naples. 

" At day-light this morning we had the pleasure of seeing the 
enemy's squadron as before mentioned, reinforced by eight gun 
boats, standing towards us in close line. The action began at 
fifty-six minutes after seven, exchanging broadsides when within 
pistol shot, passing along their line, and cutting off the cutter and 
gun boats. The enemy were under the necessity of wearing to 
renew their junction with them ; but were prevented by the 
Spartan taking her station on their weather beam. A close and 
obstinate contest ensued ; light and variable winds led us near 
the batteries of Baia, the enemy's frigate making all sail, to take 
advantage of their shelter. The crippled state of the Spartan not 
allowing her to follow, we bore up raking the frigate and corvette 
as we passed them, and succeeded in cutting off the brig. The 
corvette having lost her foretopmast effected her escape with the 
assistance of the gun boats. The latter had during the action 
galled us excessively, by laying on our quarter, and the severity 
of our loss, ten killed and twenty wounded, may in some measure 
be attributed to this circumstance. 

" I was wounded myself about the middle of the action, which 
lasted two hours, but my place was most ably supplied by Mr. 
Willes, the first Lieutenant, whose merit becomes more brilliant 
by every opportunity he has of shewing it. He is without excep- 
tion one of the best and most gallant officers I ever met with. 
To Lieutenants Baumgardt and Bourne I feel equally indebted 
for their exemplary conduct and gallantry. 

^•' Captain Hoste, of the Royal Engineers, had been sent with 
me for the purpose of reconnoitring the enemy's position on the 
coast. Upon this occasion I requested him to take the command 
of the quarter deck guns, foreseeing that the whole attention of 
the first Lieutenant and myself would be required in manceuvering 
the ship, during the variety of service we were likely to expect. 
His conduct was truly worthy of the relationship he bears to my 
distinguished friend Captain Hoste of the Amphion. 

*' The intrepidity and zeal of Mr. Slenner, the master, was 



392 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

very conspicuous -, nor must I forget Mr. Dunn, the purser, who 
took charge of a division of guns on the main deck in place of 
their officer, absent in a prize with eighteen men, (which re- 
duced our number to two hundred and fifty eight at the com- 
mencement of the action) he displayed the greatest gallantry. 
Much praise is also due to Lieutenants Fegan and Fotterell, of 
the Royal Marines, whose conduct was truly deserving of admi- 
ration. 

" The Warrant, petty officers, and ship's company evinced a 
degree of enthusiasm that assured me of success at the earliest 
period of the action. 

*^ To the light and fluctuating winds, to the enemy's being so 
near their own shores which are lined with batteries, they are 
indebted for the safety of their whole squadron, which at a greater 
distance from the shore, I do not hesitate to say, must have fallen 
into our hands. 

" Among the killed we have to regret the loss of Mr. Robson, 
the master's mate, a young man of great promise. 

" I enclose a list of killed and wounded, with the damage we 
have otherwise sustained. 

"I have, &c. 

« J. BRENTON." 
"Rear Admiral Martin.'* 

LIST OF THE ENEMY'S SHIPS, &c. ENGAGED. 

Ceres, frigate 42 guns 350 men, severely crippled, escaped 

under the batteries 

Fama, corvette 28 guns 260 men, lost her fore-topmast, do. do. 

Sparviere, brig 8 guns 98 men taken 

Hannibal, cutter 10 guns 80 men, escaped 

Eight gun boats 1 twenty-four 40 men each, escaped, 
pounder each 

Total, 96 guns, and 1108 men. 

" J. B." 

Til addition to these, it was afterwards known that 
Mui'at liad in tlic mornino: embarked four hundred 



Chap. XTII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 393 

Swiss troops in the different vessels, in order to make 
sure of carrying the Spartan by boarding. They were 
dressed in red Hke Enghsh marines, and extended the 
whole length of the vessels in which they were em- 
barked, with their muskets ; a dreadful carnage must 
have been made amongst them. 

Captain Brenton was wounded whilst standing on 
the capstan, the only place from whence he could see 
his numerous opponents. It was by a grape shot 
striking him on the left hip bone. As he did not at 
first feel the blow to be very severe, he concluded it to 
have been given by some of the ropes, which were 
falling in great numbers from aloft, as cut away by the 
shot. He jumped from the capstan, and came down on 
his right leg, but the left could not support him, and he 
fell ; and then blood was seen to issue from his back. 
He instantly thought of Lord Nelson's wound in the 
spine, and concluded from the little pain experienced, 
that his must have been the same. He was carried 
below, and on cutting out the shot, the surgeon dis- 
covered that the wound was not mortal. 

When the action was over, the brig that had been 
captured was taken in tow, and proved to be Murat's 
royal yacht, sent out for the purpose of strengthening 
the squadron. On the sea breeze setting in, Mr. 
Willes, the first Lieutenant, who had also been 
wounded, paraded the prize before the mole of Naples, 
and then made sail out of the bay. On the following 
morning the Success and Espoir joined, and their 
surgeons were found most welcome assistants to the 
surgeon of the Spartan, who had none of his own. 



394 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

His conduct indeed was most meritorious, and for the 
first week lie was continually, night and day, passing 
from the sick bay to the Captain's cabin, hardly known 
to take either rest or food. 

The Spartan proceeded to Palermo, on her way to 
Malta ; and the prize under Lieutenant Baumgardt was 
sent to Messina, in order to take Captain Hoste to 
head quarters, and from thence to proceed to Malta. 

On the arrival of the Spartan at Palermo, an extra- 
ordinary order had been given that all vessels, from 
whatever place, should be put under quarantine, until 
liberated by order of the prime minister. This was the 
first instance since the Spartan had been upon the 
station. No sooner was the Admiral informed of the 
circumstance, than he sent off an express to the court, 
then at some distance in the country. 

In the mean time Lord Amherst, the British Am- 
bassador, embarked with the Admiral in his barge, and 
came off to the Spartan ; and as they were prevented 
by the quarantine laws from coming on board, they 
both mounted the stern ladders as high as the cabin 
windows, where Captain Brenton having ordered his 
cot to be hung near them, had an opportunity of con- 
versing with his kind friends. Such an instance as an 
Ambassador and an Admiral suspended on two rope 
hiddcrs, hanging over the stern of a ship, was probably 
never seen before, nor is it likely to recur. It is only 
mentioned here, to shew their kind solicitude to afford 
comfort to their suffering countrymen, for this was 
their object ; and as soon as they knew what means 
were the must likely to supply this, they returned on 



Chap.xiii. sir jahleel brenton. 395 

shore, and boats were sent off, not only with fresh 
meat, fruit, and vegetables, but with every delicacy 
from the Ambassador's splendid table, for the use of 
the wounded. No pratique having been obtained that 
evening, Captain Brenton directed the first Lieutenant 
to weigh before day-light the following morning, and 
on the 10th they reached Malta, and were received in 
the most enthusiastic manner by all classes of persons, 
who seemed to vie with each other in testifying every 
possible act of kindness. 

Captain Brenton was immediately taken on shore, 
to the house of his kind friend. Dr. Allen, the surgeon 
of the naval hospital, from whom, and his amiable 
family, he received the most unweared attention. But 
as the situation of Dr. Allen's house had not the ad- 
vantage of air and space which the Admiralty house 
possessed, the Commander in chief of the forces. Sir 
Hildebrand Oakes, in whose charge the house then 
was, requested Captain Brenton might be carried 
thither, and here he remained whilst his ship was refit- 
ting, with every possible advantage that the island or 
climate could offer. The wounded of the ship having 
of course been sent to the naval hospital ; Mr. Wil- 
liamson, the surgeon of the Spartan, most kindly and 
most affectionately devoted himself to his Captain, 
whom he seldom quitted but to procure accounts from 
his wounded shipmates, or to obtain for him some 
luxury which he thought might be acceptable. Of 
these there was no want, for the General, and indeed 
almost all the principal families were continually send- 



396 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

ing whatever thej thought might afford nutriment in 
the feeble state of the patient. 

Soon after his arrival at Malta, Captain Brenton 
received the following letter from his excellent friend 
the Rear Admiral. 

"Canopus, Palermo, 10th May, 1810. 
" Sir, 

" I have great pleasure in sending to you the order 
of St. Ferdinand and of Merit, which I have this day received 
from His Majesty the King of the two Sicilies for that purpose, 
together with a copy of the letter that accompanied it. 

'' You are already, Sir, so fully acquainted with ray sentiments, 
both public and private as far as relate to you, that I have only 
to say, that I hope you will soon be in a situation to serve your 
country with the same zeal, gallantry and judgment, which have 
marked your conduct. 

" I have, &c. 

"GEORGE MARTIN, 

" Rear Admiral." 
" Captain Brknton, 

"H.M.S. Spartan." 

Copy of a letter from Marquis Circello, inclosed in the above to 
Admiral Martin. 

" Palermo, 10th Mai, 1810. 
** Monsieur L'Amiral, 

" Le Roi mon auguste maitre vous a exprime de 
vive voix, ses sensible regrets sur la situation du brave Capitaine 
Brenton, qui dans une des actions les plus glorieuses a la marine 
de la Grande IRreta^ne a ete si danjxereusement blesse. Mais sa 
Majcste toujours occupc de ce brave homme m'ordonne de vous 
parlcr encore, et de vous dire combien elle est affectee de la 
circonstance, et d'attribuer a' une ordre generale existante et a 1' 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 397 

absence de sa Majeste de Palermo, qui a retarde Tordre d'ad- 
raettre sans delai a la pratique la fregate le Spartan. Que sa 
Majeste aime a se flatter, que le Capitaine Brenton guerira de sa 
blessure; qu'un tel lieros sera conserve a' la marine anglaise, et a' 
la bonne cause ; et que sa Majeste aura la satisfaction de le voir 
decore de la croix de Commandeur de son Ordre de Merite, 
que J'ai I'honneur de vous envoycr jointe a cette lettre, avec 
priere de la faire passer a ce brave Capitaine avec la plus grande 
promptitude ; vu qu'il tarde a sa Majeste qu'il recoive ce tem- 
oignage des sentimens, que lui inspire son incomparable conduite ; 
et que le publique j voit I'empressement de sa Majeste a recon- 
noitre le merite des brave officiers de son auguste et fidele allie, 
qui exposent si courageusement leurs vies pour les interets com- 
muns, autant que pour ceux que sont personnels a sa Majeste. 

" Le Roi ne doute pas, qu'en envoy ant I'ordre au Capitaine 
Brenton, vous lui donnerez connaissance de cette lettre. Aiiisi il 
ne me reste Mons. L'Amiral, que de vous reiterer rassura;.Ge de 
la haute consideration avec laquelle J'ai Thonneur d'etre. 

" MONS. L'AMIRAL, &c. &c. &c. 

" Marquis de Circeleo." 
"A SON Excellence 

*' L'Amiral Martin." 



The Rear Admiral had, indeed, as he observes in his 
letter, most fully expressed his sentiments, public and 
private, as far as related to Captain Brenton, in his 
interview with him at the cabin windows of the Spar- 
tan, and they were of the most flattering, the most 
gratifying, and the most affectionate description. He 
said upon that occasion, " My dear Brenton, this is a 
bad cHmate for wounds, I am anxious you should be at 
home. If you wish it, I will take the responsibility 
upon myself, and order the Spartan to England. I am 
sure the Commander in chief will approve of my doing 



398 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

SO. A frigate will be required to take Mr. Arbuthnot, 
our minister, from Constantinople to England, and I 
will appoint the Spartan for that purpose. He may be 
expected at Malta every day." This Captain Brenton 
joyfully accepted, as he felt that a long time must 
elapse before he could again be fit for active service ; 
and his only wish now was to be restored as soon as 
possible to his family, where he knew happiness awaited 
him, if any where in this world. 

His friend, for well he might call him so, Lord 
Colling wood, was now no more, having sunk under the 
disease, against which he had long struggled. For the 
last year of his life his feeling and his regard for 
Captain Brenton had become very warm, as may be 
seen by his official letters ; and he undoubtedly left a 
strong recommendation of him to his successor, as one 
of the first acts of Sir Charles Cotton was to appoint 
Captain Brenton to the command of the squadron in 
the Adriatic, a situation which had long been the 
object of his wishes. Tt now however came when he 
could no longer avail himself of it. It reached him the 
day after he w^as wounded. 

The last letter he received from Lord CoUingwood 
was one so peculiarly his own, and so comprehensive 
in a short space, that it may not be amiss to insert it. 

"ViLLE DE Paris, January 30th, 1810. 
" Sir, 

" I have received your letter of November, and am 
very mucli oljlij^ed to you for the statistical account of Cephalonia, 
and other returns sliewing the strength and ability of that Island, 
and the plans of the excellent ports in it. 



Chap. XIIT. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 399 

" The population of the country is not great, but by the adoption 
of wise measures it may rapidly increase. The republican spirits 
in Corfu may seek a refuge there from the oppression they suffer 
under the French, One, and perhaps the first object of the 
government ought to be, to increase the means of subsistence of 
the inhabitants, and attend to foreign commerce no further, than, 
as it is necessary to take off those articles which are exceeding the 
consumption of the Island ; but I fear that foreign commerce will 
be too attractive not to engage them more deeply in it, than its 
profits will maintain protection for ; and although it may enrich 
individuals, it will confine wealth to a few, and will prevent the 
increase of population ; so that upon this principle I would not 
encourage them in the beginning of their independence to send 
many ships to sea, but rather to cultivate the land, and to prepare 
at home a commerce for foreigners who will come to them. 

"The woods may become of considerable importance. They 
were represented to me two years since to contain much fine 
timber, both fir and oak, which the French cut down, and shipped 
at an anchorage on the S.E. point of the island. 

" I have ordered that convoys shall occasionally be sent for the 
protection of the trade from Argostoli, but it cannot be done at 
regular stated periods, as General Oswald requests ; nor is the 
trade of that extent that would make it necessary. 

" I have received from Malta the copy of a letter, which you 
wrote to Sir Alexander Ball from Cerigo, in which is related the 
circumstance of the former Governor of that place, having re- 
moved his apprehensions of some people who passed over from 
the continent, by poisoning the waters where they inhabited, and 
by that means putting many of them to death. In that letter 
there are extracts from two of the Frenchman's letters, but his 
name is not mentioned. I would be glad if you would furnish 
me with copies of these two letters, with the address they bore, 
(viz.) that which informs his chief of the Albanians coming to the 
island, and that which relates to the means by which he got rid of 
them. 

"If any of his letters give any account of Crete, the port, or 



400 MEMOIR Oi Chap. XIII. 

fortification, I would beg the favour of you to inform me what he 
says of them. In one of his letters he says, he has been over to 
Candia, and that he has not been idle. A Frenchman seldom is, 
where any mischief is to be done. 

" As to the Cephalonians navigating under the British flag, it 
cannot be done, but by an authority from His Majesty ; but I 
have written to the Consuls of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, to 
inform them, that these islands being under the protection of 
England, it is expected their flag will be respected. 

"It would be very convenient for the convoys to assemble 
there, but I apprehend that the vessels to come from Patrass, 
would require a convoy to the place of assembling, and Cepha- 
lonia being neutral, there must always be a certain force for their 
protection while assembling, so that two convoys would always 
be requisite instead of one. 

" I am, &c. 

" COLLINGWOOD." 
" To Captain Brenton, 

"H.M.S. Spartan." 



Further accounts of the 3rd May from Captain 
Brenton's notes to his children. 

" In the beginning of the year 1810, I was sent to 
resume my station on the coast of Italy. Naples was 
now made the principal point of my observation, in 
consequence of the enemy having increased their Httle 
squadron, by the addition of numerous gun boats, and 
threatening Sicily with invasion by crossing the straits 
of Messina. As it was of the utmost importance to 
keep this squadron blockaded up in Naples, I was 
ordered on this service, and on the 3rd of May, the 
action took place in which I was wounded ; the details 
of which you will find in their place in my letter book. 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 401 

There are some however that T could only communi- 
cate to those as nearly interested in them, as you are 
my dear children ; and even to you, perhaps, I should 
not have mentioned them, but to shew you the efficacy 
and comfort of a humble trust in God. T know you 
will be deeply interested in everything I write, and as 
this book is only intended for your perusal, I shall not 
risk censure for egotism. In going down to the enemy 
I put up a short but fervent prayer to the Almighty, 
that he would receive your beloved mother and your- 
selves under his holy protection, and bless you, and that 
he would enable me to do my duty to my country. At 
no one period of my life do I ever remember to have 
been more serene and tranquil ; and when my excel- 
lent friend Williamson, the surgeon, as he left the deck 
to go to his station, said in a low voice, as I shook him 
by the hand, " Now sir, here is victory or Westminster 
Abbey for you," T experienced a feeling of animation 
which is not usual with me on common occasions.'"' As 



* My brother has often conversed with us on the subject of courage, 
and drawn the distinction between moral and physical courage. He felt 
that his was not natural but acquired. His first trial was at the age of 
seven, when he first went to sea with his father. A supposed enemy 
came in sight, and the ship cleared for action. My two brothers (for 
they were both on board) immediately sought a secure hiding place, but 
their father discovering their intention, called them, and with a stern 
voice told them, that if they attempted to run from the enemy's guns, 
he would immediately shoot them. The threat was believed, though it 
was totally in opposition to my father's nature, and the greater and 
immediate danger superseded the one which had been anticipated. My 
brothers remained by the side of their father on deck : but the threat was 
never forgotten, and the dread of disgrace soon became stronger witli 
them, than that of death. The next time I heard of my brothers having 

2 D 



402 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIII. 

I have in this book given you many instances in which 
your beloved mother derived strength and comfort 
under trials, by her trust and confidence in God ; I 
wish to shew you how much in unison our feelings 
were, on this, as on all other subjects ; and I am most 
anxious to impress upon your minds, my darling chil- 
dren, a habit of putting your cause into the hands of 
your Creator, in every event of your lives. He will be 
a tower of strength to you, and whether you fail in 
your worldly expectations, or that they are crowned 
with success, it will equally tend to your ultimate and 
your eternal happiness. 

" With the action of the 3rd of May, Captain 
Brenton's service in the Mediterranean concluded. 
" The day after the action," he adds, " I received 
dispatches from Admiral Martin, containing my orders 
to proceed to the Adriatic, for the purpose of taking 
the command of the squadron there, but I was no 
longer in a situation to avail myself of it. On the 
following day we arrived at Palermo, but were put 
under quarantine. The Ambassador and the Admiral 
kindly came off to see me, but could not come on 



incurred their father's displeasure, was, during their residence in France, 
a very few years later, when he discovered that they had challenged 
some French boys, to fight with them. He, upon this occasion, thought 
it necessary to repress their courage, and confined them to the house for 
the day ; when they wept bitterly, and declared themselves disgraced in 
not being permitted to fight the promised battle. Sir Jahleel has often 
told me that in going into action, he had always an anxious feeling till 
the first shot was fired ; but from that moment he thought of nothing but 
tlic cause in which he was engaged. 

F. B. 



Chap. XIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 403 

board. The Admiral was anxious to know my wishes, 
and instantly comphed with my request, that the 
Spartan might be sent to England. It appeared to be 
the only means of giving me a chance of recovery. I 
was accordinoiv ordered to Malta to refit, and to take 
home ^Ir. Adair, the British minister, from Constanti- 
nople. We had a most favourable passage to Malta, 
to the great comfort and advantage of the wounded. 
Should it ever be in your power, my dear children, to 
shew kindness to the family of my excellent friend, 
Dr. Allen, do not neoiect to do it. To his kind- 
ness and hospitahty I am greatly indebted, under 
Providence, for my life. I was for some time so 
extremely exhausted in consequence of my wound, that 
my recovery was almost despaired of. I seldom felt 
any great apprehensions myself, with the exception of 
one day, when from extreme pain and languor, I had 
reason to suppose my end approaching. I remember 
with humble gratitude the tranquil and resigned feeHng 
I experienced, and the comfort T enjoyed from a recol- 
lection of the indescribable affection which had imited 
your beloved mother and myself. The dangerous 
symptoms however soon abated. I was carried to my 
ship, and sailed on the 10 th June with a convoy for 
England.'' 



404 ^lEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



JOINED BY HIS FAMILY. — SLOW RECOVERY FROM HIS WOUND. — FRESH TRIALS 
FROM THE FAILURE OF HIS AGENTS, AND ACTIONS THREATENED BY NEUTRALS 
DETAINED. — FRIENDLY INTERFERENCE OF MR. ABBOTT. — APPLIES TO THE 
ADMIRALTY FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND APPOINTED TO THE STIRLING CASTLE. 
1812. — COMPELLED BY THE STATE OF HIS WOUND TO RESIGN THE COMMAND. — 
MADE BARONET. — APPOINTED NAVAL COMMISSIONER AT MINORCA. — RESIDENCE 
THI-:RE. — FAILURE OF LADY BRENTON'S HEALTH. — THE ESTABLISHMENT AT 
MINORCA BROKF.N UP ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE WAR. — RETURN TO ENGLAND, 
AND APPOINTMENT TO THE DORSET YACHT. — MADE NAVAL COMMISSIONER AT 
THE CAPE. 



" The manner in which the intelhgence of my being 
wounded reached your beloved mother was pecuharly 
trying to her affectionate heart. That excellent and 
amiable character, the Earl of Dartmouth, then Lord 
Lewisham, was at Malta when I was landed there. 
He paid me frequent visits ; and particularly on the 
eve of his departure for England, that he might carry 
the latest intelligence respecting me. Upon his arrival, 
he hastened to Bath, that he might be himself the 
bearer of what he considered the most favourable 
accounts. He accordingly called upon your dear 
mother, and concluding that she must long have been 
in possession of the news of the action, proceeded to 



Chap. XIY. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 405 

tell her that my wound was doing well. This was the 
first intimation she had received of the event, and it was 
too much for her agitated feelings. She fainted, and Lord 
Lewisham was in the greatest distress, at having been 
the innocent cause of her suffering. Her peculiar strength 
of mind however soon enabled her to depend upon that 
power for support which had never deserted her. Lord 
Lewisham knowing I had written by the same ship in 
which he had been a passenger, flew to the post ofiice, 
and did not quit it, till the expected letter was put 
into his hands, and ran with the utmost eagerness to 
deliver it. I had taken the precaution of sending home 
a minute surgical description of the wound, which 
being shewn to a medical friend at Bath, he pronounced 
to my dear suffering companion that the wound was 
not a dangerous one. This tranquillized her, and 
enabled her to look forward with hope to the period of 
our meeting. At the latter end of the month my letter 
from Gibraltar arrived with further encouraging ac- 
counts. Your mother with her three darlings flew to 
Portsmouth, and extraordinary as it may appear, 
almtDst at the same moment that she alighted at the 
inn, I anchored at the Motherbank. As she travelled 
from Southampton to Portsmouth, the Spartan was 
running through the Needles, and must have been an 
attractive object to the dear travellers, who little 
thought we were so near each other. It is customary 
for ships from the Mediterranean to be kept in quaran- 
tine till the return of the post, which communicates 
their arrival ; but the Lords of the Admiralty in kind 
consideration of my state, ordered the ship to be 



406 MEMOIR OF Chap, XIY. 

released by telegraph, and I landed the following 
morning, experiencing in the meeting with all I held 
dearest to me in the world, sensations of delight which 
amply repaid me for all the sufferings and fatigue, both 
of body and mind, to which I had been exposed since 
my separation from them. It is scarcely possible for 
me to look back upon this period, which was one of 
pure, and almost unmixed felicity. Of pain I was no 
longer sensible, acute as it had been during the passage. 
My sufferings had indeed been so great till this period, 
that the latter hours of the day were passed in looking 
at the movements of my watch, impatiently waiting for 
the appointed hour, when I was to receive my accus- 
tomed dose of laudanum, from which I could expect a 
temporary suspension of pain. Now I no longer re- 
quired laudanum ; my spirits were composed and 
happy, and although incapable of moving, I was in- 
sensible of* confinement. Fearful of agitating me too 
much in my weak state, your mother had come into 
my room alone, but she was soon followed by my sweet 
cherubs, full of health and joy. We had the comfort 
of procuring the same house at Alverstoke, near Haslar 
hospital, where we had formerly lived ; and happy as 
those early days of our marriage had been, they were 
not so much so, as the time which we now passed there ; 
although I was so weak as to be confined to my bed, 
or my chair, walking a few steps occasionally with my 
crutches. Whenever T look back upon the past events 
of my life, this period always starts forward as pre- 
eminent in happiness. My mind was entirely free 
from care ; all was peace, and I hope gratitude. I had 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 407 

received the most flattering testimonies of the approba- 
tion of the Admiralty, particularly in that most delight- 
ful instance of it, the appointment of my brother to 
succeed me in the command of the Spartan. The joy 
and affection which beamed from the eyes of my 
beloved Isabella, during her unremitting attendance 
upon me, would in itself have been a source of the most 
perfect happiness. She felt, as she has since informed 
me, the deepest anxiety from my dangerous situation, 
but she never allowed me to perceive it. To her 
tenderness and care, under the blessing of Providence, 
I owe my recovery. Her society had before changed 
captivity into happiness ; she now dispelled all the 
weariness attendant upon languor and confinement.'^ "^^ 



* Of the accuracy of this little sketch, I can bear witness, for it was my 
privilege to accompany my husband to Portsmouth, that we might share 
either in the joys or sorrows of my poor anxious sister. On our way from 
London my husband met a brother officer, who told him that rumours 
prevailed at Portsmouth of my brother's death ; he concealed this informa- 
tion from me, and of course suffered doubly himself in consequence. It 
was however his happy privilege in the course of a few hours, to be the 
first to welcome our wounded brother on his anchoring at the Mother- 
bank, and to give him the joyful intelligence that his wife and children 
had arrived at Portsmouth, and only waited his permission to come off, 
and share in his quarantine. My brother would not allow my husband 
to come on board, as we should have been deprived of his protection and 
society till the period of the quarantine had expired. The kind con- 
sideration of the Fii'st Lord of the Admiralty, however, shortened the 
period, and rendered it unnecessary for Mrs. Brenton to go on board. 
We had only time to secure a lodging for our dear invalid, (as near to 
Haslar hospital as possible, that he might have the full benefit of the 
medical attendance there) before he was brought on shore. I shall never 
forget his emaciated appearance as they brought him from the landing 
place, in an arm chair rigged upon poles by the sailors, who brought him 



408 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

Captain Brenton remained with his family at Alver- 
stoke till the beginning of October, when having gained 
sufficient strength to be moved, he proceeded to Lon- 
don, which he reached in two days. He received from 
the Admiralty an assurance of His Majesty's approba- 
tion of his conduct, and a promise that in due time his 
name should be added to the list of Baronets ; in the 
mean time a pension was granted him of £300 per 
annum, his wound being considered by the members 
of the college of physicians equivalent to the loss of a 
limb. This proved a very welcome addition to his 
income, and he considered it a most providential cir- 
cumstance ; for he had been but a few months in 
England, when he was informed by his agents that 
they had failed, with all the prize money belonging to 
the Spartan in their hands. This circumstance was 
the more unexpected, and the more inexcusable, as 
Captain Brenton had given them positive orders, when 
the proceeds of neutral vessels were remitted to them 
from abroad, to cause the money to be immediately 
funded, in order to await the result of any appeal 
that might be made, but this was not done. As 



most carefully ; he was himself enveloped in flags, and followed by a 
crowd of spectators. His sick room seemed to be what he has described, 
an abode of perfect happiness. His patience and cheerfulness never 
failed him, and his gratitude to all those who had the privilege of ap- 
proaching him, and assisting in any way towards his comfort or amuse- 
ment was unbounded. Very soon after his return to us, he was able to 
use his pencil, and retraced the events of the 3rd of May. Paintings 
and engravings have been taken from these sketches, which arc now in 
my possession. 

F. B. 



Chap. XIY. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 409 

misfortunes are said seldom to come alone, so it was 
on this occasion. The Spartan had taken two American 
ships in 1807, bound from Sicily to Copenhagen, laden 
with sulphur ; but captured, actually running into Mar- 
seilles ; and one of the Captains confessed that the 
destination in the papers was a false one. Captain 
Brenton under these circumstances, and from a convic- 
tion that the sulphur was intended to make gunpowder 
for the fleet at Toulon, did not hesitate to send them 
for adjudication to Malta ; where they were con- 
demned as the most flagrant breaches of neutrality that 
had ever come before that court. The proceeds were 
accordingly remitted, with the positive injunction 
before mentioned ; but being retained by the agents, 
were involved in their bankruptcy, and by the same 
post, which informed him of the failure of his agents. 
Captain Brenton received information, that the appeal 
for these ships having at length come on, the sentence 
was reversed, and that he was called upon to pay the 
amount, a sum of £3000. This was indeed a heavy 
blow, and one for which he was not prepared either in 
mind or purse. He says, " the failure of my agents 
was the more unexpected, as upon my arrival in 
England, the agents had immediately written to say, 
that they had a considerable sum of prize money in 
their hands ; and actually did pay a share a short time 
before their failure, which took place in the spring of 
the year 1811. With respect to the result of the 
appeal, this was a matter of still greater astonishment 
to me, considering the nature of the cases, the acknow- 
ledgment of the American masters, and the opinion 



410 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

given by the judge who tried the vessels at Malta. 
But the Admiralty Court is a political one, and is often 
governed by expediency, as well as maritime law and 
usages.'' 

Government was at this time very anxious to ward 
off a war with America, and in order to conciliate that 
jealous power as far as possible, many of the sentences 
of condemnation, even in the strongest cases were set 
aside, and the vessels returned, to the great injury of 
the captors ; who were as much bound by duty to 
capture these vessels, as they were to take those of the 
enemy. It may well be supposed that this severe 
blow did not tend to accelerate Captain Brenton's 
recovery. He was at once obliged to give up his 
comfortable house at Bath ; to sell off his furniture, 
and to remove to the vicinity of London ; not only for 
the purposes of economy, but to attend to the intri- 
cate and perplexing business arising from the bank- 
ruptcy. The following are his remarks upon this 
period, in his notes to his children. 

" This was one of those events which are peculiarly 
trying, but are often most salutary in awakening us 
from a state of dangerous security and worldly minded- 
ness ; and which also shew in its true light the value 
of attachments founded upon virtue, and the inestima- 
ble blessing of a mutual, cordial, and sincere affection, 
enabling us to support the pressure of misfortune. By 
the failure of my agents, the whole of the little 
property I had collected during the war, was swept 
away ; and T was, in addition, called upon to refund 
£3000 for the American sulphur vessels. I now con- 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 411 

sider these two seeming misfortunes coming together, 
a most providential circumstance ; as it enabled me to 
meet all mj difficulties at once, and with the blessing 
of God to subdue them. The distress in which we 
were inyolved was great, but a kind Providence sup- 
ported us under it. Could you have been sensible of 
the conduct of your beloved mother upon this occasion, 
you would have pronounced her an angel indeed. She 
suffered it is true, but not on her own account, or from 
any undue anxiety on yours ; for she depended upon a 
bountiful Creator supplying all your wants, as he had 
ever done. Her affliction was on my account. She 
knew how deeply I felt the loss of all I had to depend 
upon for the support of my darling family, particularly 
at a period when T was precluded from active exertion, 
by the effects of my wound ; and the almost hopeless 
prospect of my being able to procure so large a sum as 
that which was demanded of me. But here my dear chil- 
dren let us pause, and view with gratitude, with fervent 
and sincere gratitude, the dispensations of a benign Pro- 
vidence in our favour. A few weeks before the event. 
His Majesty had been pleased to bestow upon me a 
pension of £300 per annum, in consequence of my 
wound ; this, with my pay, now became our support ; 
and a most kind friend (Mr. Henry Abbott) generously 
stepped forward, and supplied the sum necessary to 
pay off the claims of the neutrals ; taking his chance of 
remuneration from the produce of the bankrupts' 
estates. I hope through life you will preserve a grate- 
ful recollection of this friendsliip. Even here (in a 
small lodging at Paddington) we passed a cheerful and 



412 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

tranquil season. It was the piety, and resignation, and 
sweetness, that beamed from your dear mother's ex- 
pressive features, which, under the blessing of heaven, 
shed this felicity over our little society ; and rendered 
this period of trial one of those, that in the retrospect 
of my life presents itself also as a period of peculiar 
happiness. 

" In the course of the year my wound began to 
make a visible progress towards recovery, under the 
kind and skilful care of Mr. Cline. During the period 
of our stay at Paddington, we had indeed much to be 
grateful for. My mother's health which had been very 
precarious, appeared entirely re-established, and she 
evidently derived much happiness from our being so 
near her. Your uncle Edward arrived at Portsmouth 
in June in the Spartan, and I could not resist the 
inclination to visit my old shipmates. I was accom- 
panied of course by your mother ; our reception was 
not only gratifying but affecting ; to the expressions of 
attachment from the officers and ship's company, was 
added the affectionate kindness of your dear uncle. 
He caused the colours to be hoisted under which we 
had fought on the 3rd May, and by every possible 
arrangement studied to gratify my feehngs. This 
little narrative is intended for you alone my dear 
children, and you can appreciate my reasons for writing 
it. Your dear uncle requires no additional claim to 
your affection, but I know this trait of his character 
will delight you." 

Soon after this visit to Portsmouth, Jervis, the eldest 
son, was attacked by scarlet fever ; his recovery oc- 



I 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 413 

casioned the following reflections recorded by his father. 
" A kind and merciful Providence soon restored your 
dear brother to health. These trials which so fre- 
quently occur in the course of even the most prosperous 
life, ought to teach us to repose more upon God, and 
to indulge less in anxiety, which generally results from 
a forgetfulness of His divine providence. How often 
does it happen that when bereft of hope, and abandoned 
to despair, a sudden change has dispelled the gloom, 
and restored us to happiness ; whilst at others, when 
we have been indulging in the most flattering prospects, 
when every thing seemed to smile around us, wdien 
to-morrow promised to be in joy,^as this day, and 
more abundant ;' a blow from an unexpected quarter 
comes, and lays us prostrate. These circumstances 
and experiences should teach us temperance in the 
enjoyment of the blessings of this world, and in the 
measure of our attachment to them ; should teach us 
to form no long view of such short lived felicity ; to 
receive with gratitude that share which is so abun- 
dantly bestowed upon us ; and when we are threatened 
with the loss of what we consider so essential to our 
happiness, to consider that we are in the hands of Him 
who has our eternal interests in view, and who know^s 
what is good for us, better than we do ourselves. This 
is true philosophy, but what is still more, this is true 
religion.'' 

It has been the wish of the Editor to allow the nar- 
rative to proceed with as little interruption as possible 
from himself, and chiefly in the words supplied by the 
subject of the memoir himself. The language made 



414 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

use of being sometimes that of a report of his own 
actions, and sometimes a comment upon them addressed 
to his children, sometimes drawn up in the third person, 
sometimes in the first, has involved a variety of manner 
which may probably have given offence to readers ; 
but which it still seemed desirable to retain, as convey- 
ing the words and expressions of the individual mind, 
which it is the object of the memoir to present to 
public observation. Unwilling to do more than was 
absolutely necessary, and being chiefly anxious that the 
portrait exhibited might be as true to life as possible, 
he has risked the consequences of substituting a broken 
and disjointed narrative, for one more continuous and 
regular, that he might allow his readers to see for 
themselves and to judge for themselves, a character 
which is calculated to be beneficial to all. Instead of 
assuming the office of biographer, he has wished that 
the subject of the memoir should be made to tell his 
own story ; and he has chiefly limited his own endea- 
vours to pointing out traits of character brought to 
light by the circumstances in which the man was 
placed, and which it was desirable that his readers 
should notice. From time to time he has ventured to 
do this, and in gratifying his own feelings by thus 
dwelling on the features of a friend whom he never 
recollects without admiration, he hopes that he may 
have been useful in directing the attention of others to 
qualities which might have escaped observation, from 
the simplicity of mind with which the trials that draw 
them forth are related. On this account he must 
trespass for a moment on the patience of his readers, 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 415 

and call their attention to the peculiar trial which awaited 
Sir Jahleel Brenton at this period of his career. 

His character as an officer was now completely 
established. The prejudice entertained against him by 
Lord Collingwood had been overcome, and converted 
into confidence and regard. His services in the Medi- 
terranean had secured the admiration of the navy ; and 
the brilliant valour and good conduct exhibited in the 
action off Naples, had placed him on a pinnacle of glory, 
which few perhaps can at present appreciate, who 
do not remember the enthusiastic spirit of that period 
of the war, and the excitement which pervaded every 
rank of society on the subject of naval successes. 

At that period, and under those circumstances ; with 
the consciousness of having served his country with 
a fidelity and earnestness beyond what is due to any 
human tie ; with the shouts and triumphs of a Mediter- 
ranean population still ringing in his ears, and with a 
spirit raised above the excruciating torture of his 
wound by a sense of the glory he had won ; this intoxi- 
cating dream is dissipated by the intelligence of 
pecuniary losses, which threaten destitution to his 
family, and by the notice of a prosecution on the 
part of the neutrals, whom he had felt it his duty to 
detain ; which might have consigned him to a debtor's 
prison for the rest of his days. 

Life, if considered as a state of discipline, must be a 
state of trial. Character is to be developed by circum- 
stances ; and God is to be glorified by the evidence 
thus given by his servants of their adoption and 
renewal. Under this conviction we acquiesce in the 



416 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIY. 

assertion that, " whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth ;" 
and can see the purpose for which the affliction is 
sent in the character which is gradually evolved ; but 
the fulness of this assurance does not invalidate the 
severity of the trial, and we must feel for man while 
he is in the crucible, though we may be confident as 
to the effect that it will finally produce. 

I feel it, therefore, due to the character of Sir Jahleel 
Brenton, to dwell on this point of his story, because it 
includes circumstances of trial which cannot be gen- 
erally appreciated, and because it involves that species 
of trial which has been commonly found the hardest to 
endure. Oppression, we are told, maketh a wise man 
mad. Ingratitude, man's ingratitude is continually 
named as the bitterness of life. The great men of 
heathen times are found quitting their country in the 
decline of life, disgusted at the treatment they met 
with ; and we cannot wonder if self-love on one side 
was dissatisfied with that return, which self-love ex- 
pected or self-love offered on the other. 

The shock which was inflicted on Sir Jahleel Bren- 
ton by this sudden change of circumstances must have 
been most severe. To have a triumph succe 'ded by 
poverty ; the glory of successful command by the pros- 
pect of a jail ; and to feel that his country's courts 
crushed him, for having done what his country's 
interests required, and his country's voice had com- 
manded ; and that thus having risked life and incurred 
sufferings in its service, he was now to be made a 
victim of political expediency, and to be sacrificed 
to the jealousy of a hostile state ; this was, to say the 



I 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 417 

least a sharp trial for man to bear, and a trial which 
few have borne with so much calmness. In truth if 
heroism is to be tested by what a man bears rather 
than by what a man does, and a very brief considera- 
tion may lead us to adopt this view, we may venture 
to say that Sir Jahleel Brenton may be contemplated 
with more admiration while reconciling himself to 
poverty and sufferings, in the testimony of a good 
conscience and in submission to the wall of God ; than 
while directing the movements of his frigate through 
the fleet which enveloped him, while Murat and his 
court were watching the defeat of their little armada 
by the energies of his single ship. 

Let the reader of these pages then dwell most on 
that which most deserves consideration. He may learn 
from the narrative, what vicissitudes of trial life may 
include ; and he may distrust the exultation inseparable 
from moments of success by calling to mind its uncer- 
tain tenure, and the reverse that may be immediately 
at hand. But above all let him remember, that he 
who labours for man, must be prepared to meet with 
ingratitude, or at least neglect ; and that from the very 
nature of society, the sacrifices that are made for the 
public good can seldom be properly appreciated, or 
justly recompensed by the public, for whom they arc 
performed. A higher principle must be infused into 
the heart of him who wishes to serve his country, than 
was found among the heroes of antiquity ; or self-devo- 
tion and patriotism will be doomed to experience the 
same melancholy disappointment that they did in their 

cases. God nmst be honoured ; his favour, his blessing 

2 E 



418 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

must be the objects of pursuit ; if man wishes to be 
certain of obtaining a just recompense of reward ; 
and sad and bitter will be the result of dangers braved 
and labours borne, if the favour of a fickle world has 
been the object of ambition, and the only return looked 
for has been that which men can give. 

" A haughty spirit," it is said, " goeth before a fall." 
Had such been the spirit of Sir Jahleel Brenton, it is 
easy to imagine how it would have been inflated and 
increased by the admiration and excitement occasioned 
by his victory ; and it is as easy to conceive, that on a 
mind in such a state, the sudden shock of adversity 
would have come with an overwhelming force. Happily 
for him, he had long before learned in a better school 
than that of the world, the nature of the things by 
which he was surrounded. He knew what he was 
justified in seeking, but he also knew the limits under 
which it was to be sought. Thankful for what God 
had been pleased to give, he was ready to resign what 
God was pleased to recall ; and while the hand of God 
was seen in everything, he saw no injustice in the 
treatment he was exposed to, no public ingratitude in 
the circumstances which marred his prospects ; but 
only behold another trial in a change of condition ; and 
blessed God for the consolations with which that trial 
was to be accompanied. 

The narrative may be resumed from Sir Jahleel's 
own notes. He says, " my wound now continued to 
make a gradual progress, and at the end of the year 
(1811) Mr. Clive considered all exfoHation at an end. 
1 had now j)ut aside my crutches, and could walk with 



Chap, XIV. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 419 

tolerable facility with two sticks. I therefore began to 
look forward once more to active service. Your dear 
mother used all the arguments which tenderness and 
affection could suggest to dissuade me from it ; but the 
same feeling towards her, and my beloved children, 
stimulated me to exertion, and would have deprived me 
of my own approbation and peace of mind, had I 
remained in a state of inactivity longer than was abso- 
lutely necessary. I accordingly applied for a ship. 
Mr. Yorke, then first Lord of the Admiralty, in the 
most friendly and earnest terms, requested me not to 
run the risk of a relapse, by going again to sea ; having 
however persisted in my application, he appointed me 
to the Stirling Castle, a new ship of seventy-four guns, 
then at Chatham, intended at my own request to be sent 
to the Mediterranean. In the middle of March 1812, 
I took command of this ship, and removed with my 
family to Brompton, near Chatham, and here another 
period of happiness occurs, which will frequently pre- 
sent itself to my recollection, unsoh cited from the 
association with my professional duties. My profession 
had ever been my delight from the very early period of 
my life at which I entered it, and no circumstance, 
however happy, had as yet possessed the power to 
tranquillize my mind on shore, whilst I considered 
myself capable of active service." 

As Captain Brenton had reason to suppose that his 
ship would at least for some time be attached to the 
channel fleet, he removed his family to Plymouth, and 
took this opportunity of initiating his eldest son into 
the profession, which it was at that time supposed he 



420 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

would have chosen. He says, " As our dear boy had 
from his infancy expressed a wish to follow my profes- 
sion, and had appeared confirmed in the resolution, 
upon my return home in the Spartan, your mother and 
myself considering the advantages which might attend 
from his constitution being early inured to the pro- 
fession, decided upon his going with m,e. It was 
rather intended at the same time, as giving him an 
opportunity of judging for himself, whether under all 
circumstances, his preference for the navy might con- 
tinue, and as I was informed of the appointment of an 
exemplary clergyman to the ship, who had been head 
usher at Hertford school, and who was to superintend 
the education of the youngsters on board, we had less 
hesitation in taking your brother from the school at 
which he had been nearly a year, (Dr. Crombie's, at 
Greenwich.) Our kind friend Mr. Williamson, whom 
1 was again happy in having with me as surgeon, 
kindly went for him in a tender, which I sent for the 
purpose. 

"June 6th, we arrived in Cawsand Bay ; the weather 
in the preceding night had become thick and squally, 
but we reached our port with great ease by noon.'' 

Thursday the 11th, Mrs. Brenton mentions having 
passed a delightful day on board the Stirling Castle. 
Captain Brenton adds, " This was I believe the last 
visit your mother ever paid to the StirUng Castle, 
where from the sweetness of her disposition, and the 
kindness of her manner, she had gained the regard of 
all on board. On this occasion we were accompanied 
by one of my best and earliest friends. Mr. Tucker 



Chap XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 421 

and myself became acquainted in the year 1792, when 
he was purser of the Assistance, and when I commanded 
the Trepassey on the Newfoundland station, in the year 
1799. He had, after progressive elevation, acquired 
through his own conduct and talents, become Secretary 
to the Earl of St. Vincent, with whom I had recently 
served as Lieutenant, and who had promoted me to the 
command of the Speedy. Mr. Tucker and myself then 
renewed our former intimacy, he had power to shew 
the strength of his regard, and exerted it to the utmost. 
T had little in my power but the expressions of grati- 
tude, and the feelings of friendship. Whenever an 
opportunit}^ offered of forwarding my interests, he 
never lost sight of it, and proved himself a most steady 
friend. It is to his active zeal we are indebted for 
much of the comfort our family received after the death 
of my father. Lord St. Vincent was under Providence 
the instrument of their welfare ; Mr. Tucker, the kind 
and judicious friend, who pointed out the most effectual 
means of serving them. Upon all the subsequent trials 
and events which have befallen me, he has been 
invariably the same, always identifying himself with 
my interests, and those of all my family ; and I feel 
delighted in having it in my power to record such 
instances of disinterested attachment, as an object for 
your future gratitude and regard. Lose no opportunity, 
my dearest children, in shewing your sense of his 
kindness to me, whenever it may be in your power, 
either towards himself or any of his family.^'*^^' 

* Mr. Tucker became, successively, Private Secretary to the Earl of 



422 MEMOIR 0¥ CuAP. XIV. 

Refei'riiig to a memorandum written on the 23rd of 
September, 1812, Captain Brenton says, "I had some- 
time before this period experienced an attack of in- 
flammation in the wound, but I had now recovered from 
it, and it remained in the same state as when 1 came 
to sea. As the winter approached, I felt this incon- 
venience of being lame more sensibly, as it increased 
my anxiety respecting the duty of the ship, from a 
conviction that I could not use the same activity I 
had formerly possessed ; and 1 began to feel the con- 
viction that some employment on shore, was better 
suited to the actual state of my health. 

" I thought seriously of endeavouring to gain some 
appointment on shore. I had in the Spring been 
offered the Commissionership of Bombay, but declined 
from preference to active service. T therefore wrote to 
Lord Melville (then First Lord of the Admiralty,) and 
told him the state of my health, requesting to be 
remembered in the event of a vacancy happening ; 
this he promised to do, and conceiving I wished 
immediately to come on shore, he appointed Captain 
Brine to succeed me in the Stirling Castle. Those 
alone whose minds are ardently devoted to the sea 
service, can enter into my feelings after dispatching my 
letter to Lord Melville. It appeared to me as soon as 
it was gone beyond recall, that the sacrifice was un- 
necessary, that the pain and inflammation of the wound 



St. Vincent, when he was First Lord of tlie Admiralty ; Commissioner of 

the Navy ; and Deputy Surveyor General of the Duchy of Cornwall. 

He died :if his estate, Treniaton Castle. 

F B. 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOK 423 

had ceased, and that with a Uttle patience I might 
have weathered the winter, and have had another 
summer before me, in which I might have recruited. 
I felt my attachment to the ship, and everything 
connected with active service increase, as I was on the 
point of being removed from it. These, however, w^ere 
but temporary feehngs ; the w^ound soon resumed a 
very serious character, and I had no sooner joined my 
family at Plymouth on the 26th of October, than I felt 
T had much reason to rejoice in my decision. As soon as 
I was superseded by Captain Brine, I proceeded to my 
favourite residence at Bath. Here I had the advan- 
tage of one of the most skilful surgeons, the late Mr. 
Grant. I had several very severe attacks of inflamma- 
tion, attended by exfoliation, which must have rendered 
it impossible for me to have remained afloat. I was, 
however, e\ddently regaining my health, and having 
my mind at ease from the conviction that I had not 
willingly relinquished employment afloat." 

Early in November Captain Brenton received an 
official communication from the Admiralty, notifying 
his having been created a Baronet. In the year 1813, 
Sir Jahleel writes, " It was in this year that my darHng 
Jervis formed that choice of a profession, to w^hich it 
w^as ever our wish he should be devoted, but which we 
did not press upon him, lest we should put a restraint 
upon his inclinations. He had from his infancy ex- 
pressed a wish for the navy, and the preference was 
natural, and likely to strengthen with his 3^ears. It was 
therefore encouraged ; and I considered him so decided 
in his choice, that I should have taken liim with mc in 



424 MEMOIR OF Chap. XIY. 

the Stirling Castle. Whilst instructing him in the 
rudiments of astronomy and navigation, I took every 
opportunity of associating in his mind the truths of 
revealed religion, with the wonders of creation. His 
mind was sufficiently enlarged to admit and combine 
them with facility, even at this early age ; though 
he had not completed his tenth year, when we were 
at sea together. His memory was very retentive, 
our conversation frequently turned upon Religion, and 
the duty of its ministers ; and I endeavoured to 
describe to him, the character and conduct requisite 
for the sacred office, as well as the influence each would 
have upon the happiness, not only of this life, but of 
the next. These delightful conversations (for such 
they were to this dear boy, as well as to myself, for he 
frequently began them) insensibly gave a change to 
his ideas, and induced him to prefer the tranquillity 
and retirement of a clerical life, to the more brilliant 
prospects which the navy might have held out to him. 
What a claim for the most fervent gratitude has this 
circumstance upon my heart at this moment, and what 
a source of comfort and consolation under the loss of 
such a child. I have now the blessed and well founded 
hope, that he is in the enjoyment of everlasting felicity. 
" At the close of this year, Lord Melville, who had 
been long anxious to serve me, but unable from the want 
of a vacancy, at last found the means by the establish- 
ment of a resident Commissioner at Minorca. He 
made mo the offer of the appointment. I accepted it 
with alacrity, and prepared for our immediate depar- 
tin'c. 1 was at the time of receiving it, confined to my 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 425 

bed, by the opening of my wound ; but was soon in a 
situation to travel, and by the unremitted care and 
energy of my affectionate companion, every fatigue and 
exertion was spared me. We left our delightful abode 
at Bath on the ] 0th January, and embarked on board 
the Blenheim for Minorca on the 20th. We had been 
exposed during the greater part of our voyage, till we 
reached Cape St. Vincent, to a continual gale from the 
S.W., but at this period the weather was remarkably 
fine, and you may easily imagine the interest with 
which your mother viewed the theatre of the great 
action, fought by our noble friend, and the first in 
which I had been engaged. 

" As we proceeded, every point we passed excited 
some recollection of strong interest, but particularly 
Gibraltar Bay. These feelings I hope were not un- 
accompanied, by sincere and ardent gratitude to the 
Almighty, for the merciful preservation which I had 
so often experienced. On the 3rd of February we 
passed along the coasts of Andalusia and Grenada, 
mountains covered with snow, with the town of Malaga 
below them. Our voyage was at this period delightful, 
and had all the appearance of being a very short one. 
We were most happily situated with the best and 
kindest friend in the Captain of the ship. Captain 
Samuel Warren, with every attention and accommoda- 
tion we could possibly desire, but a voyage to passengers 
must ever be tedious. The wind now changed and 
blew constantly from the eastward, making our passage 
longer between Tvica and Minorca, than from England 
to Ivica. On the 19th, Majorca was in view, the 



426 



MEMOIR OF 



CUAP. XIV. 



weather extremely cold, and the hills covered with 
snow. Nothing could be more wretched than the sight 
which Cabrera offered to us through our glasses : we 
could see hundreds of naked and starving French 
prisoners, crawling about the rocks, without any other 
habitation, than the caverns they found amongst them, 
and we heard they were almost without food. When 
however, the wanton atrocities committed by the 
French in Spain are taken into consideration, we 
cannot wonder at the conduct of the Spaniards in this 
instance, however inexcuseable it may seem. We 
reached Port Mahon on the 25th of February, and 
had some difficulty in procuring lodgings. Many 
wretched habitations were offered to us, but we were 
soon provided with an excellent house, in a delightful 
situation, though it afterwards proved damp, from 
having been recently built. For some time my health 
was in an alarming state, whilst that of my beloved 
Isabella appeared to be perfectly restored, with the 
exception of a little hoarseness, which then gave us no 
uneasiness, as I only considered it as the continuation 
of a cold, caught in England ; but which was disease 
silently working on the lungs. The climate, although 
very changeable, appeared to agree remarkably well 
with every one of the family except myself; and my 
own health experienced a rapid improvement with the 
return of the warm weather. We began to enjoy 
happiness, and to be reconciled to the Island, forming 
plans for a long residence on it. At this time we had 
the gratification of liaving the Duchess of Orleans, 
motlici- of liouis Vliillippc, as our occasional guest. 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 427 

She was dining with us on the day that the first report 
reached Minorca, that the white flag had been hoisted 
in France. The news was not credited at first, but I 
was convinced in my own mind that it was true, and 
therefore communicated it to my royal guest, who was 
quite overwhelmed with the inteUigence. The follow- 
ing morning I had the pleasure of carrying the 
confirmation of this joyful intelligence to the Duchess. 
This excellent Lady soon resumed her place at Paris, 
at the head of a splendid establishment, and was 
unremitting in her efforts to testify her gratitude to 
every English person who approached her ; for the 
hospitality she acknowledged to have received from 
their country. In the course of the month of May 
your beloved mother's cough had increased, and in 
June she broke a blood vessel. We were advised to 
try country air, and M. Mercudel, a Minorquine gen- 
tleman, had the goodness to lend us his house at 
Bingot, pleasantly situated on the road to Alegero. 
The air of this place appeared for some time to have the 
most salutary effect ; thus the summer passed away 
with no other occurrence than my having been brought 
into intimate communication and friendship with that 
best of sea officers. Sir Benjamin IT alio well, afterwards 
Carew, who was left in command of the squadron in 
the Mediterranean, and who took his station at Minorca, 
in order to superintend the disposal of the stores, &c. 
The peace taking place early in Autumn, the fleet was 
ordered home, and consequently there no longer existed 
the necessit}^ for a dockj^ard at Mahon. I was directed 
to send all the stores to England, and to return home ; 



428 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. XIV. 

Lord Melville in the mean time having most kindly ap- 
pointed me to the Dorset Yacht. Your mother's health 
was so precarious, that it became necessary for us to 
accept the kind offer of my friend, Captain Bathurst,''^ 
to take home my family in the Fame, and to his care I 
consigned them, under the protection of that benign 
Providence which never forsook us. I was unable to 
accompany them from the remaining duties I had to 
perform. They embarked on the 7th of August. A 
few days after they had sailed, I left Minorca in the 
Castor, for Marseilles, and from thence proceeded to 
Paris. There 1 enjoyed the kind hospitality of the 
Duchess of Orleans for a few days, returning to 
England early in October. Your mother and your- 
selves had arrived a few days before me. 

" Before I left Minorca T received a second letter 
from Lord Melville, informing me of my appointment 
as Commissioner at the Cape of Good Hope, the former 
Commissioner being just dead ; an appointment which 
was very agreeable to me. On my return to England, 
r found your dear mother apparently much recovered, 
but the fatal cough still continued. This was the only 
alloy to my happiness, but still I fondly cherished the 
hope that it was in some measure subdued, and that 
the climate of the Cape of Good Hope would entirely 
restore her. How easily can we flatter ourselves with 
prospects of happiness. How earnestly do we cling to 
remote possibilities for comfort ; and most merciful is 
the dispensation which affords us this relief. How 

* Clip! ain iJathurst was killed at the battle of Navarino when cora- 
inaiidin;/ llic Genoa. 



Chap. XIV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 429 

gloomy and dismal would many parts of our lives 
otherwise be. Our dear boys were now of an age 
wben it became necessary that every eflPort should be 
made to give them a substantial education, and for this 
purpose we decided upon leaving them at Winchester, 
under the care and protection of their uncles. This 
was the greatest trial we had to experience ; but what 
must the pang of separation have been to your mother, 
who although she concealed as much as possible her 
real state from us, must have felt the most serious 
apprehension, that she was no more to meet these 
darling children in this world. With what exemplary 
fortitude did she conduct herself under circumstances 
so agonizing! On the 1st day of January, 1815, we 
sailed for the Cape of Good Hope, on board H.M.S. 
Niger, commanded by Captain Rainier. We had 
much to be grateful for, to our all merciful Protector, 
for the comfort we enjoyed throughout this voyage, 
which ended by our arrival in Simon's Bay on the 
12th of March. Your mother felt much weakness and 
indisposition in crossing the tropical latitudes, owing to 
the great heats, but she was nevertheless invariably 
cheerful, and apparently happy," 



430 IVIEMOIR OF Chap. XY 



CHAPTER XV. 



RESIDENCE AT THE CAPE. — REMARKS ON THE ADVANTAGES OF SIMON'c BAY AS A 
NAVAL STATION. — PLANS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE LI DERATED NEGROES. 
— RAPID FAILURE OF LADY BRENTON's HEALTH AND HER DEATH. — REFLEC- 
TIONS ON IT EXTRACTED FROM HIS PRIVATE JOURNAL. 



Three years had elapsed after the last capture of the 
Cape of Good Hope, before it was considered necessary 
to have a resident Commissioner there. Captain 
Shield was selected for this purpose, and a fitter, or 
more efficient man could not have been found. With a 
sound judgment, and the utmost integrity, and unde- 
viating correctness ; he possessed an activity of mind, 
and indefatigable perseverance that never perhaps was 
exceeded. His official correspondence, which Sir 
Jahleel Brenton found in the office, was invaluable to 
him, and rendered his way clear under all the com- 
plexity in which he was involved by the transactions, 
which in the ultimate establishment of the dock-yard 
he was engaged in with the military and civil branches 
of the Government. 

The Dutch, while masters of the Cape, aware of i^ie 
insecurity of Table Bay during the winter months, 
when it is exposed to the fury of the whole Southern 



CHAr. Xy. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 431 

Atlantic, had been in the habit of sending their ships 
for shelter to Saldahna Bay ; overlooking, or perhaps 
purposely concealing the value of Simon's Bay ; lest it 
might afford to an enemy the facility of landing and 
attacking the colony. Commissioner Shield viewed 
this bay with a seaman's eye, and at once pronounced 
it to be the only place on the coast for a Naval Arsenal, 
and gave this opinion to the Navy Board, as soon 
after his arrival as he could obtain the means of 
forming it. 

The Dutch had a few storehouses there for the use 
of their Batavia ships, but everything was upon the 
smallest scale, and the Admiralty on being convinced 
by the representation of Commissioner Shield of the 
fitness of Simon's Bay for the establishment of a dock- 
yard, directed the Naval Establishment to be removed 
there, which was accordingly done in 1814 ; a Naval 
Hospital being previously built, and plans agreed upon 
for the extension of other Naval buildings. 

Commissioner Shield being called to the Navy Board 
in 1813, was succeeded by Commissioner Dundas, from 
Bombay, who retained the situation but a short time, 
as he died at Simon's Town in August, 1814. 

Sir Jahleel Brenton, on inspecting the two bays, 
Table Bay and Simon's Bay, entirely concurred with 
Commissioner Shield upon the expediency of giving up 
the former altogether ; but recommended, that on sur- 
rendering the buildings there to the Colonial Govern- 
ment it should be with the understanding, that if 
required at any future period of war, the}^ should be 
again restored to the Naval Department. 



432 MEMOIR OF Chap, XY. 

Whilst the dock-yard was in Table Bay, no ship 
could venture to strip her lower masts, or heave down, 
from the uncertainty of the weather and the rapidity 
with which a gale succeeds a calm, and the glassy 
surface is changed into a tremendous sea rolling in 
upon a dead lee shore. The loss of the Sceptre there in 
1 795, and of several large merchant vessels in the course 
of the seven years which Sir Jahleel Brenton passed 
there, are evident proofs of the dangers incurred almost 
at all seasons of the year in this bay ; whereas in Simon's 
Bay, scarcely an instance occurred during the whole of 
that time of a vessel driving from her anchors. Indeed 
the one only case was that of the Revolutionaire, 
parting a cable that had rotted in India, and falHng on 
board the Zebra, carrying her adrift, with the wind 
immediately ofi' one part of the bay, and driving on 
shore on the opposite side in a sandy cove under the 
block house, from whence they were both got off, the 
Revolutionaire much damaged from having passed over 
a ledge of rocks. But soon after the moorings were 
laid down for two ships of the Hne, and as many 
frigates, and no accidents afterwards occurred. It was 
found, however, that these were inconvenient, as they 
occupied too large a portion of the bay, which is not 
very extensive, and on that account they have since 
been removed. 

When it was decided that the only Naval Establish- 
ment at the Cape should be in Simon's Bay, the new 
buildings were carried on with great energy, and it 
soon became a place of considerable importance. A 
jetty was formed in the dock-yard : a spacious mast 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 433 

house erected, with a working sail loft over it, and a 
very ornamental range of houses for the officers of the 
yard constructed upon a terrace overlooking the bay, 
and the whole yard enclosed with a wall, forming a 
remarkably neat and compact arsenal. 

Soon after the arrival of Sir Jahleel Brenton as 
Commissioner of the dock-yard at the Cape of Good 
Hope, a vessel arrived with the account of Buonaparte 
having escaped from Elba, and of war being revived in 
Europe. The consequences of this short war had a 
very material influence upon the colony of the Cape, 
as the transfer of the great prisoner to St. Helena 
caused a great demand upon the Cape for supplies of 
all descriptions, and excited amongst the wine growers 
and farmers a degree of energy quite foreign to the 
habits of the Dutch colonists, and to which nothing but 
English capital, and English example could probably 
ever have stimulated them. 

St. Helena, of course, became the head quarters of 
the squadron, from whence they were sent in succession 
to Simon's Bay to refit, and complete their stores. 
Large contracts were entered into for wine and flour, 
as well as for bread, cattle, and hay, &c. The cattle 
hitherto killed for the Cape market were of the most 
inferior description. They had been driven from the 
great cattle farms, in the eastern districts of the colony, 
through a long sandy desert, where little was to be 
found for their support but the acrid Hottentot fig and 
other similar plants ; and after a journey of nearly a 
week, sometimes much more, they were, upon their 
arrival either in Cape Town or Simon's Town, im- 

2 F 



434 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

mediately sent to the slaughter house. The meat, as 
may be expected, was of the worst kind ; and of the 
cattle embarked in the wretched state we have dis- 
cribed, but few could be expected to reach St. Helena. 

To remedy this, a Cattle yard was constructed in 
Simon's Bay, where they were kept and dry fed for 
several weeks, and then shipped on board the trans- 
ports ; and the wind being almost always fair, and the 
water smooth, they continued to improve even on the 
passage, and arrived at St. Helena in high condition. 
Sheep were still more improved, and the quick demand 
for all the articles of supply, gave great animation to 
the boors ; while it rendered the Naval Establishment 
at the Cape of very great importance, and shewed 
particularly how sound was the judgment which had 
induced Commissioner Shield to remove it from Table 
Bay to Simon's Bay, as there was scarcely an instance 
during the period of nearly seven years that Sir 
Jahleel Brenton was there, in which a cargo might 
not have been shipped on board the men of war, and 
transports. Indeed in a very heavy gale, blowing 
directly into the bay, an anchor for a very large 
frigate was sent off with very little difficulty ; whilst 
in Table Bay all communication with the ships is cut 
off for many days together, and much longer in the 
winter months. 

More than thirty vessels, some of them of great 
value were lost in Table Bay during this period, and 
only one in Simon's Bay ; and this, for want of a good 
look out, running on shore in the night under Musen- 
buro- with all sails set. 



Chap. XV. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 435 

The ReYolutiouaire and Zebra it is true had been 
driven on shore, but it was in a species of hurricane 
off the land, as has been already observed, and owing 
entirely to the Revolutionaire's cable being defective. 

Upon this occasion, or rather in consequence of it, 
when the Revolutionaire was heaving down to be 
repaired, Sir Jahleel Brenton had a most providential 
escape from losing his life. The ship was keel out 
(and it is well known with what difficulty the long- 
legged French built ships are hove down.) The 
Commissioner was in the boat examining the damages 
the ship had received, and not four feet from the keel 
of the Revolutionaire, when the purchase gave way, 
and she righted with the greatest violence, throwing 
the greatest part of the people who were on the decks 
overboard, kilhng one shipwright, and wounding the 
master builder of the yard seriously. The column of 
water between the ship's bottom and the Commis- 
sioner's boat was sufficient to act as a fender, and 
prevent her being struck by the ship ; she was thrown 
off with great violence by the broken water, but without 
shipping any. The boats crew, all black fellows, seeing 
the confusion with which they were siu-rounded, im- 
mediately jumped overboard, and dived to be out of 
the way of mischief, and the first that rose finding that 
order was not quite restored, again sought for safety at 
the bottom. They were soon however all in the boat 
again, but evidently thought their conduct too natural 
to require either explanation or excuse ; for they gave 
neither to the Commissioner, whom they had thus left 



436 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

alone in the boat, and who was too much amused at 
their resource to be angry with them. 

In the course of this year, Rear Admiral Sir George 
Cockburne having seen his important prisoner settled 
at St. Helena, was succeeded in his command by Rear 
Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm, who arrived at the 
Cape of Good Hope, which he was desirous of visiting 
previous to his taking up his residence at St. Helena ; 
and having brought Lady Malcolm with him, the 
circumstance was the cause of much gratification to the 
Commissioner's family, and to Sir Jahleel Brenton 
particularly ; as it enabled him to act in concert with 
the Commander in chief, in laying down plans for the 
regular supply of St. Helena, and in making the 
necessary contracts for that purpose. Sir Pulteney 
was also enabled to judge for himself of the capabilities 
of the Cape, and the character of its farmers, which 
rendered the subsequent correspondence between the 
Admiral and the Commissioner a very easy one ; both 
were acquainted with each other's objects and measures, 
and the greatest cordiality in consequence subsisted 
between them. 

With regard to some of the Commissioner's plans, it 
is fit that his own language should be quoted. 

" One of the most important subjects that engaged 
my attention, after my arrival in the colony, was the 
situation of the negro labourers in the dock-yard. 
These people had been with hundreds of others of their 
countrymen captured by His Majesty's ships, in vessels 
carrying on that abominable traffic, after it had been 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 437 

rendered illegal by the laws of the countries to which 
these vessels belonged. Some of these negroes, as 
many as were required, were assigned to the govern- 
ment departments, colonial, military, and naval, as 
labourers ; and others were distributed among the 
inhabitants of the colony as servants or agricultural 
labourers. Those, whose unhappy fate it was to be of 
the latter class, were indeed much to be pitied. The 
tender mercies of the original Dutch Boor in this 
colony are but too well known, and the unfortunate 
black, not called a slave but an apprentice, lost all the 
benefit which he would have derived from being a 
slave, when being a marketable commodity, his health 
was taken care of, and like other animals belonging to 
the farm he was well fed, and kept in good condition 
that he might fetch the better price, if it seemed 
expedient to sell him. But the Boor having only a 
life interest, (for such indeed it became in many 
instances where the negro did not outlive his appren- 
ticeship) tasked him to the utmost ; and as he had been 
in the habit of acting towards the unhappy Hottentot, the 
more the man's health was impaired, made the greater 
efforts to get work out of him, before he died. That 
this is in no way exaggerated will be evident to those 
who read the statements made by Dr. Philip, in the 
course of his struggles in favour of the Aboriginal 
people of the colony. 

" Those who were employed in the public depart- 
ments, as well as such as fell into the hands of re- 
spectable individuals were of course much less to be 
pitied. Some apprenticeship, however, was necessary. 



438 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

especially to the new negro, who would for some years 
be incapable of earning his own living. 

" Commissioner Shield had in 1810, with that hu- 
manity and judgment for which he was remarkable, 
suggested to the Navy Board, that the negroes em- 
ployed in the dock-yard should be put on the same 
footing as landsmen on board His Majesty's ships, 
having the same allowance of provision, and the same 
pay ; the latter amounting to £14 per annum, the bal- 
ance of which after the deduction made for their clothes 
(as in the case of seamen) should be carried to their 
credit, and kept until they were out of their time, as a 
means of future provision. After the departure of 
Commissioner Shield this salutary arrangement had 
been lost sight of, in consequence of which Sir Jahleel 
Brenton wrote the following letter to the Navy Board ; 
which as it describes the useful services of these men, 
and led to advantageous results in their behalf, it may 
not be amiss to introduce. 

"Simon's Bay, 31st May, 1815. 

" Gentlemen, 

'^ I beg leave to lay before you an account of the 
black men now belonging to this establishment, with a few 
observations respecting them. 

" By your letter to Commissioner Shield, 13th September, 
1810, you were pleased to approve of his suggestions of these 
black people being borne as landsmen, and those who had acquired 
the ability to work as caulkers being allowed such further 
encouragement as he thought proper. Accordingly the men then 
in the yard were so regulated ; but those who arrived subsequently 
to tliat period have only been put upon the footing of boys of the 
tliird class, and continued as such till the time of my arrival here. 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 439 

Upon enquiry I have found that the labour of this latter descrip- 
tion is equally valuable and hard with that of the former, and I 
in consequence directed them to be put on the same footing, and 
submit to you the propriety of their being allowed the arrears of 
pay which would have been their due, had they received the 
benefit of your order on their first arrival. 

" It was I believe the intention of Commissioner Shield to have 
given them that advantage, had they arrived from Plettenburg 
Bay, previous to his departure from this country ; they were all 
grown men upon their first arrival. 

" Several of the most intelligent of the black men have been 
placed under the direction of the different artificers, and some by 
assiduity and good conduct have acquired such a degree of skill 
in their craft, as to enable His Majesty's service to derive a 
considerable benefit from their work. 

" I have thought it my duty to extend to these the indulgence 
granted by Commissioner Shield to the caulkers, viz. ordinary 
seamen's pay, which I hope you will approve of, as it will be a 

spur to their companions. 

* * * * * * 

" By their assistance the buildings (in the dock-yard, &c.) 
will be erected at much less expense than by any other mode of 
procuring labourers. They have the benefit of the school, and 
I am sanguine in the hope of their deriving great benefit from it. 

"As I am upon the subject of the negroes, I must request your 
indulgence to a few remarks which a daily observation of their 
situation, docility and general usefulness, constantly suggests to 
me. 

" These unfortunate people at the period of their arrival in the 
colony are in genei*al from twenty to thirty years of age, many of 
them older, and by the present regulations of Government, they 
are to serve fourteen years, before they can obtain tlieir freedom. 

"The negroes seldom attain an advanced age, the generality of 
them are past their strength at a much earlier period than the 
white people, and consequently at the end of their servitude, may 
have no other prospect than a helpless old age before thorn, at 



440 MEMOIR OF Chap. XY 

a time when they must depend upon their own labour for their 
support. 

" I am aware that their servitude can only be shortened by the 
interference of His Majesty's ministers ; but my object in addres- 
sing you upon the subject is, that you would be pleased to take 
the case into consideration, and to allow such as are really valu- 
able to Government in different branches, to receive an allowance 
bearing some proportion to their earnings. I should say, half-a 
crown a day, including their provisions. 

"I should not allow this indulgence to be extended to them 
without long and ample experience of its being duly earned, to be 
certified by the respective officers. By these means a provision 
might be laid up for them, and so much energy exerted as to 
produce the most salutary results. 

" Many of the blacks have made a considerable progress in 

learning, but those landed from the ships are only beginning. 

* * * * * * 

" I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
"To Navy Board." 

As the subject of these letters may be useful in 
directing the public attention to the means of employ- 
ing a portion of the immense population placed under 
the control of this country, it is hoped that no other 
excuse need be assigned for the introduction of one or 
two more letters respecting the negroes. The next 
letter is dated, Simon's Bay, 2nd July, 1815. 

" Gentlemen-, 

" In my letter of the 31st May, I took the liberty 
of offering a few remarks upon the situation of the black labourers, 
and requested permission to extend the indulgence to the de- 
serving as occasion might require. The experience of every day 
teaclies me that much good may result to His Majesty's service, 



Chap. XV. SIK JAHLEEL BEENTON. 441 

as well as to these people by a constant attention to putting them 
forward in such branches as they may be best calculated for. 

"I have already given my opinion on the encouragement 
which appears due to those, who have become useful as artificers. 
I have since found that many of them are likely to become expert 
seamen, from the activity and intelligence they evince in boats 
employed on various services, and I am anxious to encourage 
them, by an addition to their pay, and making them leading men. 
Sixpence a day will I think be ample in the present instance to 
four of them, and this may stimulate the others to obtain the 
same advantage. 

" As there are two seamen allowed on the establishment of the 
yard, and none borne on the list, which would have been abso- 
lutely necessary but for the exertions of these black men; I 
propose forming a fund for their encouragement, from the amount 
of the seamen's wages, by which the estimate for the expense of 
the yard will not be exceeded. I hope to obtain your sanction to 
the measure. 

'' I have, &c. 

«J. BRENTOK" 
" [N'avy Board." 



The Navj Board approved of all the suggestions 
contained in these letters, with the exception of paying 
the arrears to those blacks who had not received the 
advantage of being rated according to these orders ; a 
measure bearing very hard upon these people, and for 
which no adequate reason is assigned. 

Some months afterwards, when the black men from 
the squadron were discharged into the dock-yard, pre- 
vious to its departure for England, the Commissioner 
on mustering them found to his great surprise, that 
some of these people had been long at sea, serving as 
part of the complement of His Majesty's ships, and doing 



442 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

all the duty of seamen. That these people should 
after such service be consigned again to slavery, 
(mitigated it is true, but nevertheless, as the labour 
was compulsory, it was still slavery for the time it was 
to last) seemed a hardship not to be permitted. It 
was true he felt that it might be said, that in the 
dock-yard they had the pay and allowances of seamen. 
This was admitted ; but it was the principle against 
which he felt it his duty to contend. On the mere 
supposition that the dock-yard establishment was com- 
plete, and that in consequence these negroes had been 
like other apprentices distributed among the Boors, the 
consequence would have been obvious and most painful, 
and it would have involved a flagrant act of injustice 
towards the helpless blacks, thus reduced without any 
fault of their own, from the condition of seamen, 
serving in His Majesty's navy, to that of praedial slaves 
in a colony, noted for the severity with which such 
slaves are treated. Sir Jahleel Brenton in conse- 
quence wrote to the Navy Board upon the subject, and 
the following is an extract from his letter of the 13th 
Feb., 1816, immediately bearing upon this subject. 

*^ I feel it incumbent upon me to state the cases of three 
of these men, (viz.) Frank, Tom, and Robin, who appear to me to 
be entitled to their liberty, in consequence of their having been 
in England. They went home in H.M.S. Thais, and returned 
in H.M.S. Curacoa, since whicli period they have served either 
in the dockyard, or in the squadron. 

** Frank has acquired some knowledge as a mason, and might 
be employed as sucli, at an inferior rate of pay, in the dock-yard. 
The others are only labourers, and probably would have no 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 443 

objection to remain ; bat as I understand so many decisions have 
lately taken place respecting the freedom of slaves being esta- 
blished, by their having been either in England, or in the Colonies 
where slavery does not exist, that I consider it my duty to make 
this claim in their favour. 

" I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
"Navy Board." 

The Navy Board having laid the above letter before 
their sohcitor, transmitted to the Commissioner the 
opinion of this law officer, but without any comment 
or direction of their own, leaving the responsibility of 
any measure Sir Jahleel Brenton might in consequence 
adopt, entirely upon himself. The opinion was as 
foUovfs : — 

" I am humbly of opinion, that if these men have been 
received on board His Majesty's ships to serve as seamen in the 
navy, they cannot be now legally detained as slaves ; but this right 
which, as against the crown, I think they have to their freedom 
from slavery, will not annul any contract or engagement, by 
which they may have bound themselves to serve the king or any 
other master, for any specific period, either in the navy, or in any 
other manner ; and if no such engagement exist, they are entitled 
to their discharge, if they require it, in the same manner as 
any seaman in the navy, or workman in the yard may be entitled 
to it. 

" Signed by the Commissioners of the Navy." 

" Commissioner Sir J. Brenton, Bart. K.C.B." 

In consequence of receiving this opinion, and so 
authenticated by the Board, Sir Jahleel Brenton im- 
mediately decided upon giving these three men their 



444 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

freedom, should they wish it, and having put the 
question to them, they earnestly requested their liberty. 
They had each a considerable sum due to them, 
amounting to some hundreds of rix dollars to each 
man, which the Commissioner recommended them to 
leave, or at least a portion of it, in the hands of the 
storekeeper, from whom they might draw it as they 
wanted ; a precaution very necessary to prevent their 
being robbed of it. But the temptation to get the 
whole into their own hands was too powerful to be 
resisted. Amongst other arguments used by the Com- 
missioner to induce them to adopt this prudent precau- 
tion, he stated their ignorance of the value of the 
notes ; all money at the Cape at this time being in 
paper ; and holding up a fifty dollar note to one of 
them, asked him its value, to which the man unhesita- 
tingly answered, " ten,'' and another of ^ye being 
shewn, the answer was, " twenty." But even this proof 
failed to persuade them. They took their money and 
in a few days came to the Commissioner lamenting 
that it was all gone. This circumstance convinced the 
latter, that unless some precautionary measures were 
adopted with regard to the poor blacks, no fund that 
could be laid up for them would be available, and under 
this impression he wrote to the Navy Board again. 

Tn order to dispose of the question relative to the 
black labourers, one more letter from the Commissioner 
upon the subject to the Navy Board may be introduced, 
in the confidence that the plan suggested in it, will 
appear at once economical and practical, and that if 
steadily followed up, it must have been effectual for 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BBENTON. 445 

their provision and future comfort, and the probable 
result that of making these men a valuable portion of 
the population. 

"Simon's Bay, 24th Sept. 1817. 
" Gentlemen, 

" As the works of this yard are now nearly com- 
pleted, I beg leave to offer a few observations which have oc- 
curred to me, upon the subject of the black labourers belonging to 
the establishment. Many of these people have been in His 
Majesty's service since 1808 ; and consequently have, according to 
the present arrangement for recaptured slaves, only five years to 
serve ; but from the opinion given by your solicitor, transmitted 
in your letter of the 28th May, 1816, they are even at this time 
susceptible of liberation. 

" It becomes a matter of serious importance to provide for 
these people the means of obtaining an honest livehhood, and of 
making them useful members of society, when they shall be no 
longer under control. And it appears to me that so desirable an 
end may be effected, without putting His Majesty's government 
to any expense, by the means which I take the liberty of sub- 
mitting for your consideration. 

" We find from experience, that the lower classes of all 
descriptions of men who have been long accustomed to restraint 
and dependence, no sooner find themselves their own masters, 
and in possession of a considerable sum of money, arising perhaps 
from a long course of industry, than they are involved in great 
danger, and generally become entangled in difficulties, for want 
of some decided line of conduct to pursue. The blacks would be 
particularly liable to this exposure, unless care be taken to pre- 
pare them for liberty by a superintendence of their concerns, and 
by introducing them to it gradually. 

" There are amongst our labourers several who have become 
good masons, brickmakers, blacksmiths, excellent caulkers, tolera- 
ble carpenters, and expert boatmen, and who consequently, if 
kept in industrious habits, are well calculated to provide for 
themselves. 



446 ]VIEMOm OF Chap. XV 

" There are belonging to the Naval department, by right of 
purchase, and totally independent of the Colonial Government, 
pieces of ground, not required for any purposes connected with 
the dockyard, nor likely to be required however extensive that 
establishment may become, from their situation ; a part lying 
behind the Commissioner's garden, and part beyond the Naval 
Hospital at the south of the town. 

" I should propose that a part of this ground should be laid 
out in small lots, say twenty feet by sixty, contiguous to each 
other, and appro;iriated to as many individuals as the Board 
might contemplate the discharge of. Upon each lot a small 
house should be built by the black artificers themselves, to whom 
two days in the week should be given up for that purpose. The 
stone and the clay are on the spot ; the roofing would be the only 
expensive part, which being furnished out of the refuse wood in 
the yard, useless for any other purpose, might be paid for by the 
smallest annual sum by the occupant, say one rix dollar* per 
month. 

" As soon as six of these houses are finished, as many of the 
most deserving men should be put into possession of them j not 
discharged altogether from the service, but bound to work in the 
yard whenever called upon ; and of the expediency of this the 
Commissioner should be the judge. The Commissioner would 
make this of course dependent entirely upon their good conduct, 
in their new situation. When he found them persevering and 
industrious, he would naturally leave them in the uninterrupted 
exercise of their employment; those on the contrary who were 
disposed to be idle, he would call more frequently to the task 
work in the yard, and to such as proved incorrigible, he would 
revoke tlie indulgence altogether, putting the more deserving into 
tlieir room. 

" The days on which they were permitted to work for them- 
selves they would of course receive neither pay nor provisions 
from the yard. Thus by degrees a most useful and industrious 
body of men may be comfortably settled beyond the reach of 



* About two shillings sterling. 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 447 

want, in the exercise of habits of industry, immediately under the 
protection as well as the control of their officers. The ground- 
rent of these buildings would be a retaining fee, by which their 
services could be called for upon any emergency, such as a fire, 
or ships driving on shore, and for which they might receive a 
stipulated sum. They would continue to receive the same re- 
ligious instruction from the chaplain of the yard, and from the 
the schoolmaster, as when actually belonging to His Majesty's 
service. 

I have, &c. 

"J. BRENTON." 
"Navy Board." 

The Navy Board expressed their approbation of the 
plan above proposed in the following letter, dated 
10th January, 1818. 

'' Sir, 

" In reply to your letter of the 24th September we 
acquaint you that we entirely concur with you in the propriety 
and importance of giving to the black labourers of your establish- 
ment, at the expiration of their apprenticeship or legal servitude, 
all the assistance in our power towards obtaining an honest 
livelihood, and at the same time keeping them within reach of the 
moral and religious instruction of the chaplain of the yard, and 
we are glad to hear the men are so well qualified in their 
respective trades, as to obtain work when set free. 

" We have therefore no hesitation in assenting to your proposi- 
tion of appropriating ground to them for erecting dwellings upon 
in the way you have mentioned ; if upon further consideration you 
are fully satisfied that such an indulgence to the black people, will 
not afford any just ground of dissatisfaction and complaint to the 
European artificers j and provided an absolute power is reserved 
to the Commissioner for the time being, to deprive the people of 
their houses and grounds in case of misbehaviour, or if required 
for the public convenience j giving them in either case such 



448 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

reasonable compensation for their labour and expenses as he may- 
think equitable ; and no man to have more than a life interest in 
the property ; but as deaths occur, you will in giving the houses 
to others, make it a condition that the family of the deceased shall 
have some small sum paid by the new occupant. 

«' Signed, H. B. MARTIN 

H. LEGGE 
R. G. MIDDLETON." 

" Commissioner Sir J. Brenton." 

About the year 1819 the Commissioner proceeded to 
carry this plan into effect, having selected four of the 
most meritorious blacks, and giving them in the first 
instance one day in the week to prepare the ground, 
and to collect materials for their buildings, at the same 
time laying out their gardens. When the houses were 
so far in progress for laying on the roofs, the materials 
were given to them from the dock-yard ; which from 
being unfit for any important purposes, were valued at 
a very insignificant price ; and in the course of the 
following year, four very respectable cottages were 
completed, and put into the hands of the blacks, who 
immediately began working for the public in their 
respective trades, and when there was no pressure of 
work in the dock-yard, and employment was offered to 
them by the inhabitants of Simon's Town, they were 
allowed to take it without any interruption. But if 
out of work, they were always received and paid by 
the dock-yard, whether absolutely required or not. 
They were thus secure of employment, and conducted 
tlicmsclvcs so much to the satisfaction of the Commis- 
sioner and officers of the yard, as fully to answer the 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 449 

hopes which had been formed of the efficacy of the 
plan. Had the estabUshment of the dock-yard re- 
mained a few years longer, there is little doubt but that 
the great majority of these negroes would have been 
effectually provided for. There were, it is true, among 
these as well as in every other class of human beings, 
incorrigible characters, whom no system or measure 
could reform ; and these, but these only, would have 
become the burden of the colony : but then, even in 
this case, it must be remembered that the colony or 
the mother country had had the benefit of their labours 
during their best days. 

Upon the breaking up of the dock-yard establish- 
ment at the Cape of Good Hope in 1821, the greater 
part of the blacks were discharged, and set at liberty ; 
but no previous arrangement being made, it is to be 
feared that the large sums due to them were soon 
dissipated, and they were ultimately obliged to place 
themselves in voluntary bondage — not the less galling 
or binding from being voluntary. For by the laws of 
the colony, the servant, if in debt to his master, must 
continue to work for him until the debt is paid ; and 
how easy it is for the master to bring his black labourer 
into debt to him, and how difficult for the poor black 
to avoid or free himself from that debt, need not be 
adverted to. 

The description of this plan of the Commissioner's 
for the benefit of the negroes, has been given at 
greater length, as the question of providing for the 
great mass of their emancipated brethren in the West 
Indies, is not, nor is likely to be soon settled : and some 

2 F. 



450 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

hints for the disposal of them may here be found, 
which may be reduced to useful practice there. The 
Editor is happy to be able to add, that from very 
recent information, it appears that the benefits con- 
templated, have been in a great degree realized. 

Sir JahleeFs domestic narrative continues, " As our 
house required considerable alteration in order to make 
it comfortable. General Baird kindly lent us the Govern- 
ment quarters near Simon s Town, which was a most 
valuable acquisition, as it kept your mother from the 
noise and confusion, which necessarily attended the 
fitting up and furnishing our own house.'' Lady 
Brenton's health in the course of the summer, rendered 
a change of air necessary, and she was removed to the 
house of Mr. Colyn, at Constantia, where Sir Jahleel 
says, " We were most kindly and hospitably received 
by these excellent people, who used every effort in the 
power of friendship and goodness of heart to afford 
relief to my dear suffering companion. For some time 
the change of air seemed to have been instrumental to 
her receiving great benefit. This called forth our 
warmest gratitude to the merciful Providence which 
had directed us to the means ; and painful as the 
recollection of these disappointed hopes may be, my 
beloved children, the retrospect of this period must fill 
our hearts with thankfulness to Him who bestowed 
such an alleviation of suffering upon her, such a 
suspension of anxiety and affliction upon ourselves. 
When wc consider the duration of life in general, and 
how small a portion of it is passed in happiness, or in 
entire fi'ccdom from solicitude, our hearts must expand 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 451 

with thankfulness for the share of enjoyment which has 
been bestowed upon us ; and the sanguine hopes which 
we were induced to indulge at this period, must 
make it appear as one of almost unmixed happiness. 
A habit of viewing and feeling the events of life, and 
referring them to their great first cause, may be 
considered as an additional faculty bestowed on the 
sincere, the patient, and faithful servants of God ; to 
contribute to their comfort, to ensure their enjoyment 
of that which is good in this world ; to support them 
under its trials, to reconcile them to the state of life to 
which they are called, and finally to lead them to that 
everlasting happiness prepared for them by the incon- 
ceivable mercy and goodness of God." 

Lady Brenton's health continued in a most pre- 
carious and fluctuating state for some time, rendering 
frequent removals to Constantia necessary. She had 
a very severe relapse on the 26th of January, 
after which Sir Jahleel says, " the Almighty was 
pleased to bestow a considerable period of relief and 
comfort.'' 

On the 29th of January the wind blew with greater 
violence than it had ever been known to do in this 
place, and throughout the whole shore of the bay on 
which it acted, there was but one space where a vessel 
could have been driven, without being irrevocably lost, 
although without much danger to lives. Upon this 
small space both the Revolutionaire and Zebra were 
driven, and by the wind shifting suddenly to the 
southward, which brought a heavy sea into the bay, 



452 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV- 

they were both in imminent danger for some time, but 
on the 31st were got off without any loss of life/' 

On the 4th of February Sir Jahleel says, " every 
day now grew more alarming, and our situation more 
awfully afflicting. The dreadful disorder had assumed 
a more fearful appearance. Our short excursion to 
Constantia had as usual cheered and enlivened the 
dear sufferer, but we did not dare to form any sanguine 
hopes of a residence there. Our kind and hospitable 
friends would most willingly have received us for any 
period, but anxious to save them the inconvenience, we 
preferred hiring a cottage, which at last we succeeded 
in finding at Mr. Fersfeld's. Thither we prepared to 
remove, but it was with heavy hearts, for we had little 
hopes of bringing the dear object of our affection back 
with us. She was as usual all piety and resignation ; 
all cheerfulness when not immediately suffering, and a 
model of exemplary patience and fortitude, when in 
pain and sickness. You and I my dear girl can never 
forget this bright example. May it influence our con- 
duct, my beloved children, and when the day comes, and 
come it must, when all that we cling to here, when all 
who are dear to us, and all to whom we are dear, are 
on the eve of being finally separated, at least as far as 
relates to this world ; and may our last days be like 
her's. We went to our retired and comfortable resi- 
dence near Wynberg on the 10th of February. The 
change of air at first excited a temporary feeling of 
improvement, but it was not of an encouraging nature. 
A settled and incieasing debility had evidently taken 



Chap. XY. SIR JAHLEEL BKENTON. 453 

place, with loss of appetite, and cough and oppression. 
Still the sweet sufferer appeared to enjoy the change, 
and to delight in the drives which this part of the 
country afforded." 

Lady Brenton's journal, dated 29th March says, " on 
Tuesday, through the mercy of Divine Providence, 
we were permitted to reach home in safety," 

June 3rd, Sir Jahleel says, " my much respected 
friend, the amiable Lord Amherst, had just arrived 
from his unsuccessful mission to China, after his disas- 
trous shipwreck. Your mother was at this time 
extremely weak and suffering, but she assured me that 
our evening society, at which time alone she joined us, 
amused her, and such appeared to be the case. Our 
letters which arrived at this period from England were 
indeed delightful. Those from my darling Jervis gave 
me the most sanguine hopes of his being all I could 
wish him to be. I felt that 1 could now correspond 
with him as a friend notwithstanding his youth ; he was 
scarcely fourteen at the time these letters were written. 
These were the last his mother was capable of enjoy- 
ing ; how little did she then think she was so soon to 
meet this darling child in the realms of everlasting- 
happiness, and how merciful was the dispensation of 
our heavenly Father, which prevented her last days 
from being agonized by the account of his unexpected 
departure ; for with whatever resignation the purest 
heart may bear its own sufferings, the feelings im- 
planted in our nature render the strongest mind 
accessible to the most sincere affliction, at the awful 
separation from those we love. 



454 MEMOIR OF Chap. XY. 

"The 5th of June, 1817. This, my beloved chil- 
dren, was the last day in which your mother ever took 
a pen in her hand, unless it were to endorse her papers, 
which she requested me to destroy after reading them ; 
but that became impossible until I had transcribed 
them for you. I come now to that period, which awful 
and affecting as it was, was full of mercy, full of good- 
ness, and full of the most salutary influence to us. 
May we, my dearest children, ever keep it before us, 
and cherish it in our hearts, for our afl'ectionate remem- 
brance, our admiration, and our imitation. From the 
day on which the last memorandum was written, until 
that on which Lord Amherst sailed, the 11th, the 
angelic sufferer, though weak and frequently in pain 
(indeed I fear constantly) was still cheerful, and 
appeared to enjoy the society with which we were sur- 
rounded, in consequence of the Ambassador being with 
us, who was waiting for a wind. We also felt cheered 
and comforted at the observations which were made by 
some, that her health did not appear in a worse state 
than when they saw her the preceding year. On the 
13th she went out with me in the phaeton, but I had 
not gone many yards before I felt convinced that her 
nerves were not equal to the fatigue, that everything 
alarmed her, and I proposed returning, to which she 
gladly consented. She soon after went to her room; 
never again to leave it alive. On the following day I 
became alarmed, and sent for Dr. Barry. This extra- 
ordinary young man, at the age of fourteen, had under- 
gone a most rigid examination before the College of 
Physicians, and Jiad, by the correctness of his answers, 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 455 

and the extent of his abiUties, extorted from them his 
diploma, with which he had practised with the most 
extraordinary success. Had not a firm conviction 
taken place in mj mind, that the nature of my beloved 
Isabella's disorder, was beyond the reach of human 
skill, I should have derived the most sanguine hopes 
from his advice ; but with such an impression upon my 
mind, I knew that Omnipotence alone could restore 
her; and although I never had the presumption to 
hope that a miracle would be performed in my favour, 
yet to the last hours of her life, the faint glimmering 
hope of her being spared to me, never wholly abandoned 
me. On this day he pronounced the case to be very 
alarming, and declared strong measures to be necessary. 
Her state was soon pronounced hopeless. To me she 
did not appear sensible of her danger ; but T have since 
found that she knew it, and had cheerfully resigned 
herself to it. She did not hesitate to converse upon it 
with m3^ sister, but could not bring herself to give me 
the afflicting tidings. I became very anxious that she 
should receive the sacrament, but was fearful of exciting 
alarm by my mentioning my wishes. This was a state 
of mind which can easily be imagined, but which it is 
difficult to describe. This compHcated anxiety dwelt 
very strongly upon my mind, and gave rise to a cir- 
cumstance, which I shall ever consider a dispensation of 
Divine Providence. T was lying on the sofa in her 
room, and dreamed that I was receiving the sacrament 
with her. I awoke with a very strong impression of 
the dream upon my mind, but soon after fell asleep 
again, and the dream was renewed. I considered this as 



456 MEMOIE OF Chap. XV. 

an imperative warning, which I dared no longer shght, 
and seating myself by her side, I took the earliest 
opportunity of speaking upon religious subjects. I 
then mentioned my dream and consequent anxiety. 
She heard me, not with dismay, but with delight ; as- 
sured me she had long wished for it, and expressed her 
earnest desire that it should be administered. She 
regretted the absence of Mr. Hough, the clergyman, 
with whom we had long been on the most friendly 
terms. His worthy successor she had only had an 
opportunity of seeing, the preference was consequently 
natural. Providentially Mr. Hough came down that 
very morning ; and as far as I can now recollect he was 
quite unexpected. I lost no time in calling upon him 
to administer the sacred rite, which he immediately did, 
going through the Service for the Visitation of the 
Sick. With what calmness and resignation, and at the 
same time with what angelic fervour, did she make her 
responses to the questions which he put to her upon the 
state of her mind and conscience. Her eyes alone were 
dry upon this trying occasion ; they w^ere lifted up in 
humble and holy confidence to her Creator and Re- 
deemer. Never will the remembrance of this scene be 
erased from my mind. She appeared as tranquil and 
collected as though in perfect health. Mr. Hough called 
upon us the two succeeding days, and upon each occa- 
sion we liad in her presence a most interesting and 
most comforting conversation, in w^hich the dear sufferer 
frequently joined; but our sentiments were so entirely 
in unison upon every subject, tliat I can now remember 
witli a feeling not to be expressed, how her eyes glis- 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 457 

tened with delight, as T suggested, from time to time, 
those sources of consolation to which we had ever 
looked, during the whole of our happy union, and which 
had now become our sole support in this trying hour. 
After the holy sacrament had thus been administered, 
I felt no longer any restraint upon religious subjects, 
and thenceforth they occupied nearly all our conversa- 
tion. I read to her every day one of the chapters of St. 
John's Gospel, so admirably calculated to quicken ftiith, 
and to render real and sensible the hidden things of the 
world to come. T also frequently read over to her the 
23rd, 34th, 46th, 103rd, and 107th Psalms, with all of 
which she was greatly delighted, but more particularly 
with the 23rd, verses of which she frequently repeated. 
On the 13th of July she had become so weak as to 
cease to be able to walk ; previous to this she had had 
intervals of ease, and had even been removed into an- 
other room, for change of air and scene. She now 
wished to receive the sacrament again, and it was 
administered by Mr. Dennis. From this time a lively 
faith seems to have taken an entire possession of this 
angelic mind. The words of our blessed Lord and 
Saviour, ' Whosoever cometh unto me, I will in nowise 
cast out,^ were constantly upon her lips. Thursday night 
previous to her departure, upon going into her room, 1 
found her in a state of delirium ; she knew no one, but 
repeated with a voice perfectly distinct, and with the 
harmony of a seraph, the Lord's Prayer, and the 
23rd Psalm. She soon after recovered her recollec- 
tion. A parox3''sm came on which threatened instant 



458 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

suffocation. As soon as she could speak, she requested 
Dr. Duke and Mr. Dennis might be sent for. In the 
course of a short time she was quite composed, and at 
three in the morning received the sacrament, with the 
same calmness and enchanting resignation she had mani- 
fested upon previous occasions. She appeared to be 
greatly comforted, and soon after fell into a peaceful 
slumber, which continued without interruption for nearly 
twelve hours; but previous to falling asleep, and imme- 
diately after receiving the sacrament, she said, ' Remove 
that light,' (a candle being placed in such a manner as 
to incommode her) ' I shall soon see a much brighter.' 
' Do you feel that. Lady Brenton V said Mr. Dennis. 
' Yes, I do, indeed,' she rejoined, ' but I hope I am not 
presumptuous. I am going to sleep ; I think I shall 
awake in a celestial light.' She dosed a little; then 
opening her eyes exclaimed to my sister, ' ! Mary, 
am I still here ! The hope of meeting my Saviour face 
to face — I trust 1 am not impatient.' She then slept 
again in the most perfect composure. She continued 
in the last state of languor until Sunday night, which 
she passed in constant pain, with extreme difficulty of 
breathing, and on Monday the fatal symptoms became 
very apparent, in reduction of the pulse, and coldness 
of the extremities. At two o'clock on Tuesday morn- 
ing the paroxysms became so quick and so severe as to 
threaten instant dissolution. We surrounded her bed, 
in momentary expectations of her being delivered from 
her sufferings. At nine slic was most severely convulsed, 
but licr countenance instantly resuming that angelic 



i 



Chap. XV. SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. 459 

sweetness, which it had ever worne through Hfe, she re- 
signed her soul (spotless through His blood) into the 
hands of her Redeemer! 

" I have thus, my darling children, gone through the 
painful task of recording the last sufferings of your 
inestimable mother. Let us endeavour to resign our- 
selves to the Divine Will, under the truly awful dispen- 
sations which befell us in the course of that year. Let 
us remember that all our trials are sent in mercy ; and I 
fervently and sincerely assure myself, that at some future 
period (perhaps the close of our lives) we shall look 
back to these afflicting scenes, with heartfelt gratitude 
and adoration, for having lifted our hearts above the 
things of this world, and for having furnished us with 
so bright an example in the object of our fondest affec- 
tion, to stimulate us in the practice of piety, gratitude, 
and peaceful resignation ; for all which she was so truly 
eminent. Let it be the study of our lives to contem- 
plate her virtues, whilst we most affectionately cherish 
her memory. It will evermore prevent our looking 
with idolatrous fondness on the things of this world, 
and keep our hearts fixed on Him, in whose presence is 
the fulness of joy. 

There is no work of human composition, which has 
afforded me more comfort under this tr^mig afflic- 
tion, or seemed more applicable than ' Young's Night 
Thoughts.' I have frequently quoted to you such 
passages as have from time made the most forcible 
impression. The following possesses great force, beauty, 
and consolation. 



460 MEMOIR OF Chap. XY. 

' But Avhy more woe? more comfort let it be, 
Nothing is dead, but that which wished to die; 
Nothing is dead, but wretchedness and pain ; 
Nothing is dead, but what incumbered, galled, 
Blocked up the pass and barred from real life! " 

Page 94. 

Lady Brenton we have seen had been in the habit 
of making copious extracts from her favourite authors ; 
no doubt for the future benefit of her children ; in allu- 
sion to one of these taken from Wilberforce's work on 
Practical Christianity, Sir Jahleel makes the following 
remark. 

" However deeply you may be struck with the senti- 
ments of the great and pious character, who has been 
himself so eminent an example of piety and virtue, who 
has so truly adorned that gospel which he professed, 
who has so strenuously endeavoured to shew his love to 
God, by his affection for his fellow creatures ; however 
impressive you may, at a future period of your lives 
consider these arguments ; they will to you, my darling 
children, appear with an additional force and value, 
thus treasured up for your attention, and guidance, by 
your beloved mother — by her, who first taught your 
infant lips to lisp the sacred name of God in prayer, 
and who enjoined you to place your trust, your hope s 
and your happiness in Him. How much do I owe to 
her, whom tlic Almighty, in His abundant mercy, was, 
pleased to bestow upon me. 

" Well indeed do I remember that upon our first meet- 
ing after that long separation, of which I have already 
told you, and previous to our marriage ; with what sweet- 



I 



Chap. XY. SIR JAHLEEL BREXTON. 461 

ness, what meekness, but with what dignified judgment, 
and true piety, did she instil similar sentiments into my 
mind ; and shew me what erroneous views I had formed 
of the requisitions of Christianity. I was indeed a 
nominal christian ; my chief apprehension was of being 
righteous over much, and I felt as though a general 
comphance with the letter of the commandments was 
all that was required of me ; and even in the neglect of 
many of these, I comforted myself with the reflection 
that the Lord would not be ' extreme to mark what 
was done amiss.' I was even in the constant habit of 
committino- a breach of the third commandment without 
being sensible of it, and allowed myself to use the sacred 
name of God, in common and trivial conversation, with- 
out feehng the wickedness of such profanation. For 
this she instantly but gently reproved me. On the 
very first day of our meeting she entreated me to con- 
quer the habit, with so much earnestness of affection, 
and described the nature of it in such just terms, that 
the effect was instantaneous, and I can hardly remem- 
ber having been afterwards guilty of it, never certainly 
without strong reproaches of conscience ; and for many 
years it has given me a feehng of pain when I have 
heard others guilty of it, similar to what my beloved 
Isabella experienced for me. Having been sent into 
the world at an early age, and not having had the 
advantage in any ship to which I belonged in early 
Hfe, of ever hearing religion mentioned; it had cer- 
tainly not been cultivated in my mind ; and but for the 
pains taken by my beloved mother in my childhood, 
which the Almighty had been pleased to enable me to 



462 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV 

retain, amidst all the trials, temptations, and bad 
examples, to which I was so frequently exposed, and 
which I now deeply deplore, as having sometimes had 
dominion over me ; but for these seeds thus preserved, 
I should indeed have been ' without God in the world/ 
But blessed be God, the inestimable treasure which he 
bestowed upon me in his mercy, soon opened my eyes, 
and taught me to see the difference between a nominal 
and a real christian. All my future hopes, all my pre- 
sent consolation arises from this source. It w^as from 
her ardent piety that I was taught to distrust the bare 
forms of religion, as utterly inadequate to the fulfilment 
of its duties ; and learnt that our best efforts are imper- 
fect, and can only be accepted through the atonement 
of our blessed Lord and Saviour.'^ 

In reference to some extracts from Buchanan^s 
Christian Researches Sir Jahleel says, " to those who 
have not the same reason to cherish the remembrance 
of the beloved object who made the above extracts, 
they will naturally appear inconsequent and uninterest- 
ing, but to us, my beloved children, to whom every 
recollection of her is dear, they will appear and prove 
far different ; they will excite in us a lively interest in 
the work to which they refer, we shall read it with 
more attention, wc shall feel as though her dear eyes 
were still perusing those pages, and the subjects of 
them will make a deeper impression upon us. I already 
feci the force of this association, and am convinced that 
it will be an additional stimulus to me to exert myself 
in the object I now have in view ; that of procuring 
tlic extension of the Church of England over this 



I 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 463 

colony, by every effort in my feeble power. Should 
I succeed to become, under Providence, the hum- 
ble instrument towards forming even one establish- 
ment, and should I see it flourish, with what delight 
will you my darling children, at some distant period, 
when I also shall have left you, praise these memorials 
of your dear and affectionate parents ; vdih what 
feeling will you contemplate our mutual love and 
respect for each other's sentiments, which will so often 
and so forcibly appear to you, as you read over these 
remarks, and behold them in this instance producing 
upon my mind the same powerful effect, as though my 
beloved and inestimable companion were still present 
with me, assisting me in my efforts, by her piety and 
judgment. It is time that I should inform you, that 
for many months I have made it my practice before I 
open these invaluable extracts, to offer up the following- 
humble prayer to the Almighty. ' ! Almighty God, 
give me grace, I beseech Thee, most sincerely and 
affectionately to cherish the memory of my beloved 
wife, to imitate her piety and gratitude to Thee, to 
teach them to my beloved children, and may we at last 
all meet in Thy everlasting kingdom ; through Jesus 
Christ, our Blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.' " 

In reference to an extract from the life of Sir 
William Jones, on the subject of the slave trade, he 
adds ; " what a variety of feelings will the few lines 
thus rendered dear to us, my darling children, by the 
hand which treasured them up for us, excite in our 
minds. Every circumstance connected with this dread- 
ful trade, every instance whicli has fallen under our 



5M01R OF 



!1ap. XV. 



own experience, the gratitude and reverence due to 
the noble and undaunted mind, which could first 
contemplate the plan, and finally obtain the splendid 
feat of emancipation, strengthen the conviction. On 
what a proud eminence has the consistent and per- 
severing piety of Wilberforce placed him ! How far 
above the most successful hero that ever became 
the idol of a nation ! Here indeed we see the precepts 
of our Blessed Saviour brought into practice. Here 
we see a fellow creature 'so letting his light shine 
before men,^ that we are naturally inclined with one 
voice to ' glorify our Father which is in heaven.^ We 
must, if we steadily contemplate the life and actions of 
this most exemplary of our countrymen, feel a desire to 
imitate him. His actions have given such irresistible 
strength and persuasion to his writings, that we must 
be influenced by them. He has indeed built his house 
upon a rock ; the rain may descend and the floods come ; 
the wdnds may blow and beat upon that house, but it 
will not fill. From this delightful contemplation we 
must, however reluctantly, turn our eyes to that great 
portion of the human race still in bondage, whom the 
energy of our beloved country has not yet been per- 
mitted to reach, blessed as it has been with the Divine 
Protection ; their hour is not yet come, but it may 
be reserved for us as the humble instruments of the 
mercy of our Creator and Redeemer to soothe, an 
alleviate the sufferings of numbers now in misery 
and we may hope that at some future period, perhaps 
not very distant, we may be the means under a 
kind Providence of liberating not only their bodies, 



t 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 465 

but their minds from the cruel captivity under which 
they are now suffering. The serious reflections 
which this subject must necessarily excite in our 
minds, will also produce another blessed effect. They 
will incline us to be kind and charitable to our 
poor fellow creatures, who although in the enjoyment 
of comparative liberty, are from adverse circumstances 
of poverty, sickness, and affliction, placed in a state of 
almost the same dependence upon us, as though they 
were our own property. The mind of your angelic 
mother was peculiarly alive to feelings of this descrip- 
tion. The kindness, the mildness, the sweetness of her 
disposition, was as conspicuous towards her servants 
as towards her children. The natural consequence was, 
that they loved as well as respected her ; her house 
was not only well regulated, but the abode of happi- 
ness to all who dwelt in it.'' 

In reference to extracts from a sermon on the 19th 
Psalm, 1 — 3, author not known — " Let us endeavour 
to render these remarks valuable in directing our 
reflections, and in giving an habitual turn to our 
minds, by which the sublime scenery in the midst of 
which we dwell, may have an increasing influence in 
keeping alive our piety and gratitude to our Maker. 
If, as the excellent author of the above extracts ob- 
serves, we contemplate the works of creation in both 
the points of view which he suggests, we shall have 
abundant employment for our thoughts, and they will 
insensibly rise from earth to heaven. Gratitude if 
really felt, will produce love and adoration, and as we 
daily endeavour to strive at that perfection of character, 

2 H 



466 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

which although beyond our reach, is held out to our 
view, in order to stimulate and purify us ; we shall 
meet w^ith a most gracious and inestimable reward, by 
the peace and comfort it will procure for us in this life, 
and the bright prospect of never ending joy in the life 
to come. 

" In tracing the various phoenomena of nature back 
to their first causes, we are not only delighted with the 
employment, and instructed by the intelligence that 
daily breaks in upon us from every direction ; but 
when our finite reason arrives at the end of her career, 
and refuses to conduct us further, we find ourselves at 
once in the presence of the Deity, the author of all 
things, who has been graciously pleased to reveal to us 
a part of the mysteries of creation, reserving the 
remainder to the future period of our interminable 
existence." 

Extract from Lord Chatham's letters to his nepliew. 
— " Behaviour is of infinite advantage to a man, as he 
happens to have formed it, to a noble, graceful, en- 
gaging and proper manner, or to a vulgar, coarse, and 
ill-bred, an awkward and ungenteel one." 

Remarks by Sir Jahleel Brenton. — " I remember 
your mother taking great delight in the letters from 
which the foregoing is copied ; and that she drew from 
them many of the ideas she had formed for the 
guidance and counsel of her own darling children, had 
it pleased the Almighty to have permitted them to 
enjoy for a longer period the blessing of such an 
instruction. Let us imagine to ourselves all she in- 
tended, and all she wished for you, and endeavour by a 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BREXTOX. 46? 

tender and affectionate recollection of her statements 
to fulfil the object nearest to her heart. You, my 
sweet I — — . will never forget the impressive manner 
in which your beloved mother inculcated the various 
instructions jou received from her, or with what judg- 
ment she distinguished between those acquisitions 
which were to have an influence upon your comfort 
and prosperity through life, and such as were only 
likely to procure for you an ephemeral admiration. 
That you should gain entire possession of the former, 
was the object of her constant sohcitude, of her un- 
wearied endeavours, because she felt that real happiness 
even in this world, is not to be attained without piety 
and virtue ; whereas experience had taught her, that 
the glare of shining accomplishments was often seen in 
characters devoid of both. With this impression upon 
your mind, it is probable that you may not be able to 
account for the importance attached to the carriage of 
your person by your inestimable mother ; but I can in 
a few words explain the difficulty, which, under almost 
every similar circumstance, I feel the comfort of being 
able to do, from the perfect harmony of all our senti- 
ments and opinions. Our Christian profession not only 
prescribes that we should individually perform our duty 
to our Maker, and our fellow creature, in such a manner 
as to fulfil the intention of our heavenly Father in 
creating us ; but he has expressly ordered us to let our 
light so shine before men, that they may glorify our 
Father which is in heaven ; and consequently that we 
may lead all who may be ^vithin the sphere of our in- 
fluence to follow the example. You have already seen 



468 MEMOIR OF Chap. XY. 

enough of human nature to be convinced that much de- 
pends upon the manner of conveying instruction, and 
that we are frequently influenced by the association of 
ideas, in themselves totally distinct. A person, for in- 
stance, may utter the soundest doctrine, with the most 
sublime eloquence, yet should there be at the same time 
a distortion of countenance, any disgusting or repulsive 
peculiarity of action, or any moroseness or severity in 
his manner, the effect which such a discourse might 
have produced, would be very much lessened, and to 
many would be entirely lost, from the medium through 
which it had reached them. Let us follow up the 
reflection, and suppose a person making profession of 
strict attention to his religious duties, and not only 
professing, but really, as far as is consistent with human 
weakness, acting up to them. Let us suppose that he 
should be constant and regular in his devotions both 
public and private ; that the whole tenor of his conduct 
in the state of life in which he might be placed, should 
be upright, full of integrity, and unimpeachable ; that 
he should be indefatigable in doing good, and that his 
charity should be unbounded ; but also, that with all 
these mental qualifications he should be awkward in his 
gait, careless and slovenly in his person, coarse and 
ill-bred in his manners, mean and idiotical in his ap- 
pearance, (for these blemishes and virtues are by no 
means incompatible,) what would be the effect produced 
upon those with whom he associated 1 Would the 
influence of his good qualities be sufficiently strong to 
cover liis defects '? Would those who were offended by 
his manner, and disgusted with his appearance, forget 



Chap. XV. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 469 

these feelings in the contemplation of the bright parts 
of his character, of which thej could only judge 
perhaps from the report of others '? Or would there 
not arise on the contrary a general indisposition to- 
wards him ? Some might even go so far as to attribute 
his faihngs to religion itself, and ascribe to this sublime 
principle the greater part of his faults, as the offspring 
of self-righteousness and contempt of the world. 

" Let us on the other hand draw the delightful 
picture of the sincere and faithful servant of God, 
adorning his faith by his practice, resolute and full of 
energy in the performance of his duties ; but at the 
same time, mild and amiable and graceful in his man- 
ners ; if called upon to preach the word of God, his 
eloquence might be rendered still more persuasive, by 
the sweetness and dignity of his expression and ges- 
tures. In the daily intercourse with society, he might, 
by gentle, unassuming, and graceful manners, continue 
to enforce his doctrine, which would be rendered more 
attractive by the conviction, that it was not hostile to 
the elegance and refined enjoyments of life. Here my 
children, you may see the propriety, and even the 
necessity of attending to that correctness of conduct and 
gracefulness of manner, which is called politeness." 

As the extracts terminate here, it appears but jus- 
tice to the husband to insert the following from the 
pen and the heart of his wife. 

Extract from Lady Brenton's journal, Simon's Town, 
April 19th, 1815. 
" This day thirteen years 1 became the wife of my 



470 MEMOIR OF Chap. XV. 

beloved Brenton ; and most truly can I say, that never 
was woman blessed with a superior, or more ex- 
alted character in a husband than myself. When I 
say that I found him possessed of every virtue that can 
adorn or dignify human nature, I think I do not 
exaggerate, for I am not singular in my opinion : 
grateful indeed then do 1 feel to the all-wise disposer 
of events, that it pleased Him to vouchsafe me such a 
blessing, frail and erring mortal that I am. Our lives 
since our marriage have been chequered with a variety 
of scenes, but thanks be to Almighty God we have not 
met with any real misfortune ; and the blessings we 
have received have preponderated so much, when 
weighed against the scale of disappointments, annoying 
circumstances, and pecuniary losses ; that we can only 
have one feeling, when we view our situation in its 
true and proper light, and that is, most unbounded 
gratitude to the Father of all mercies." 



Chap. XV L SIR JAHLEEL BKENTON. 471 



CHAPTER XVI. 



REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF LADY BRENTON. — EXTRACTS FROM THE PRIVATE 
MEMORANDA — SUFFERINGS PROM HIS WOUND, AND REMARKS ON THE 
SUBJECT. 



Lady Brenton's death took place on July 29, 1817. 
A letter addressed to his mother, dated Simon's Bay, 
Sept. 17, 1817, will shew more clearly than any at- 
tempt at description, the feehngs with which her 
attached and devoted husband contemplated his loss. 

" Simon's Bay, September I7th, 1817- 

^» My Dear Madam, 

'^ I have been long intending to write to you, but 
from the nature of the melancholy communication you will have 
received long before this reaches you, I could with difficulty 
bring myself to the exertion necessary. 

" The Almighty is indeed merciful to us, and tempers the wind 
to our situation. You will scarcely believe, my dear Madam, 
that it should be possible for me to say that for some weeks past 
I have enjoyed more real tranquillity of mind than I have ever 
before known. It is nevertheless absolutely true. My happiest 
days were never unattended with anxiety. They were attended 
at the same time with a most inadequate idea of the value of the 
blessings I possessed. That none ever lost a more inestimable 



472 MEMOIR or Chap. XVl. 

treasure, all wlio knew her are deeply sensible. But I humbly 
hope that she has shewn me how to live and how to die. I once 
thought that T was leading a harmless and a blameless life, that I 
had a right to the rewards of another world. How different are 
my present sentiments, and how immediately did they change in 
this last hour of trial. I felt and feel so far from having fulfilled 
the duties of my station, that every recollection excites remorse by 
shewing; me cause for it. When I thou2;ht I was living; in the 
exercise of the fondest affection, how much neglect was admitted, 
and when I try my religious duties by the same standard, the 
effect is much more humiliating and awful, but yet the effect is 
peace. I no longer consider my own merit as the means of my 
ever rejoining my beloved B. ; but the mercy and goodness of 
God and the atonement made by our blessed Redeemer. This is a 
foundation which nothing can shake, and this makes me view her 
as only preceding me for a short time. This consideration, my 
dear madam, is not a gloomy one. It has not put me out of 
conceit of this life. That would be impious and ungrateful. I 
shall enjoy with thankfulness, I hope, the years which a kind 
Providence may permit me to remain in this world, and endea- 
vour to devote them to the duties of my station, to the education 
and happiness of my children ; but it has taken the sting from 
death. I think I shall f^el no longer any solicitude on that 
account, and that when called for I shall be able to go through 
my task with the same serenity that my beloved wife evinced. 
Had she been preparing for her journey to England, she could 
not have been more calm and collected. May my last end, may 
all our last ends be like hers. 

" Your most dutiful and affectionate 

J. B." 

lie was at the moment unconscious that another loss 
had occurred, which was to form a fresh trial for his 
faith, and was to search still more deeply the foundation 
of that peace on which he had been resting. His son 
Jervis, the hoy to whom reference has been so often 



Chap. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 473 

made, and in whose opening qualities the fond parents 

had delighted to trace the seeds of much of mental and 
of moral promise, was carried off by a sudden attack 
of fever and sore throat, while at school at Winchester, 
on August 27, 1817, just one m.onth after his mother's 
decease. A letter written to his brother on this occa- 
sion, may with propriety be subjoined, as exhibiting the 
spirit of calm Christian submission with which Sir 
Jahleel resigned these objects of his tenderest affec- 
tion. 

"Simons Bay, January IGth, 1818. 
"My Dear E. 

*• Your kind and affectionate letter I found upon 
my arrival from the eastward. The melancholy intelligence 
contained had already reached me^ having been most considerately 

sent by to prevent my receiving too sudden a blow upon 

my return home. It was indeed severe, but tempered with mercy 
bv that benio-n Beino;, who has oTanted me a far o-reater share of 
blessing than afflictions, and whose present awful dispensation I 
feel every day more and more to be intended for my ultimate 
happiness. I Avas indeed, my dear E. too much absorbed in my 
Avorldly possessions, from my earliest infancy. I had attached 
the highest value to domestic felicity, and I need not tell you to 
what an extent I was permitted to enjoy it : instead of finding it 
like all other worldly objects, greater in prospect than when 
present, I experienced that it was more solid and real than my 
most sanguine expectations had ever pictured it, and that my 
home became every day dearer to me. I almost lost sight of the 
hand which bestowed my blessings in the enjoyment of them, and 
in my anxiety for their future welfare. I can now see the 
wickedness of such feelings. AVhen my beloved wife was called 
away from me, the world appeared to have totally changed its 
aspect to me, and lost every source of comfort. Although I 
neither repined at the divine dispensation, nor gave myself up to 



474 MEMOIR or Chap. XVI. 

despair, yet there was indifFerence as to this life, which I hoped 
was not culpable, but could not approve. I almost forgot the 
blessings which were still left me, and the necessity for strono- 
exertion to fulfil my duty to them. The last calamity I now feel 
to have been sent to awaken me from so criminal a lethargy, and 
I hope it has effectually done so. The first consolatory reflection 
which came to my assistance, and it was immediate, was that my 
darling B. had been spared the agony which I felt; that her 
gentle spirit had been placed beyond the reach of affliction, had 
been permitted, during the last weeks of its continuance here, to 
devote itself to its Creator without one anxious thoug^ht either for 
itself or for those dear to it. How dreadfully would this angelic 
tranquillity have been disturbed had she heard of the illness and 
loss of her darling child. This idea never deserts me, and has 
comforted me more than I can describe. I can hardly persuade 
myself I have met with a second loss in so short a time, indeed I 
have almost lost sight of my own affliction in the contemplation 
of their happiness. 

" Your affectionate 

"J. B." 

The circumstances under which Sir Jahleel received 
the intelligence of his son's death were peculiarly 
touching. He had been induced to undertake a 
journey into the interior, for the double purpose of 
exploring the resources which those parts of the country 
offered for the naval arsenal, and for ascertaining the 
possibility of establishing a coasting trade along the 
eastern line of coast ; and had reached the town of 
George, on his return from the mouth of the Knyzna, 
the proposed limit of his tour ; when he and his 
companions saw from the house where they were rest- 
ing, the postman from Cape Town entering the village 
by a bridge. Struck with the coincidence of the scene, 



I 



Chap. XVL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 475 

Sir eTahleel was on tlie point of repeating to his friends 
the well known lines in which Cowper contemplates 
the varied contents of the postman's bag when arriving 
in Olney ; when he was compelled to feel the reality 
of the description by the letters which he had to open. 
They contained the intelligence of his son's death ; 
whom letters received but a week before had repre- 
sented as being in the full enjoyment of health ; and 
the deep and ajBfecting regret with which the head 
master announced the loss of his promising and 
cherished pupil, must have added to the sadness with 
which the father learnt the fact that this treasured 
tie, to which he had turned with so much fondness in 
the first bitterness of his loss, was thus suddenly taken 
from him. 

The journal from which so much has been drawn on 
previous occasions, contains frequent references to this 
severe and complicated trial. I merely select a few 
passages as sufficient to indicate the general character 
of his remarks, and as being most contiguous in 
point of time. 

"July 29th, 1818. This, my darling children, is the 
first anniversary which has come round of our irrepar- 
able loss. It has indeed been a year of affliction to us, 
for much as w^e were prepared for the inevitable blow 
as regarded your dear mother, still the awful reahty 
was severely felt. This was soon followed by another 
as severe, and unexpected. Your dear brother was 
called in a few days after the departure of his angehc 
mother to folloAv her to the grave ; but that is not the 
view in which we should contemplate our dear departed 



476 MEMOIR or Chap. XYI. 

saints. They were mercifully called to meet each 
other in heaven. How benignly does the Almighty 
temper our afflictions, that we may be enabled to 
support our trials. Had there been an apprehension 
of such a calamity befalling us, as the loss we 
experienced in the course of one short month, we 
should have doubted our power to sustain it ; but when 
the last afflicting tidings came, they found us already 
prostrate before the throne of mercy, humbly endea- 
vouring to resign ourselves to the Divine Will, and in 
such a frame more able to support the pressure of 
adversity, than if it had visited us during some of those 
periods of indescribable happiness, which our bountiful 
and merciful Creator has so frequently been pleased to 
bestow upon us. When the loss of your dear brother 
was announced to me, bitter as the affliction was, it 
came accompanied w4th a source of consolation of 
which the effect was instantaneous. The idea that his 
mother had been spared the misery of such a loss, that 
they had met in heaven, that their sufferings were at 
an end ; that they had been mutually spared the 
wretchedness of mourning for each other ; these com- 
forting reflections instantly crowded into my mind, 
and saved me from much of the anguish which I must 
have endured at any other period. 

" A whole year has now elapsed, and the retrospect, 
affecting as it is, nevertheless abounds in comfort. We 
have that feeling that the world is not our all. If it 
had been, what would have been our situation now ? 
From my own experience I deeply feel the chastening, 
but merciful hand of God in these awful dispensations. 



Chap. XYI. SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 477 

They have awakened me to a true sense of my situa- 
tion, and have shewn me, that whilst happy here, my 
eternal felicity was at stake ; for I was guilty of gross 
idolatry, by allowing every thought to centre in the 
blessings bestowed upon me, with little more than a 
nominal reference to the all-merciful Providence from 
whom I received them. This is the first year of my 
life in which I can conscientiously claim to have made 
any progress in religious attainments ; for greatly de- 
fective as I must still allow myself to be, I feel tliat I 
have a deeper sense of the divine presence constantly 
upon my mind ; that I have less of that dreadful 
repugnance to the service of my Maker, and more 
energy in the performance of it ; and I can feel that 
in all my pursuits, whether professional or otherwise, I 
am constantly influenced by a sense of their being 
religious duties. The memory of what I have lost has 
scarcely ever been absent from my mind, indeed every 
thing recalls it, but my tranquillity and even cheerful- 
ness has been greater than at almost any period of my 
life, for I have lost all cause of anxiety. Formerly I 
was wretched on account of my own health, about my 
circumstances and worldly successes, unmindful of the 
Divine protection who had never deserted me. Now I 
learn to resign myself to His Divine will; to entrust 
you, my darling children, to his care; and T have also 
acquired the conviction that there is no situation in life, 
however successful we may be in all our pursuits, capable 
of conferring real and permanent happiness ; for had I 
been placed on the pinnacle of human glory — the ad- 
miration, the idol, and the envy of all around me — this 



478 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVI. 

blow would have humbled me to the dust, for I can with 
sincerity say that all my successes in life have derived 
their chief value from your mother having participated 
in them. 

' How I dreamt, 
Of things impossible ! Could sleep do more ? 
Of joys perpetual, iu perpetual change, 
Of stable pleasures on the tossing wave, 
Perpetual sunshine in ihe storms of life ; 
How richly were my noontide trances hung 
With gorgeous tapestries of pictured joys, 
Joy behind joy, in endless perspective !' 

" My whole life had been almost such a dream, mixed, 
it is true, with many causeless and culpable anxieties. 
Blessed with all that could render life a state of happi- 
ness, the most perfect description of it, domestic happi- 
ness, I never once considered the certainty that a few 
years must end it, but allowed myself to be as much 
absorbed in the contemplation of it as though this life 
were all in all. With a full and perfect conviction upon 
my mind of the truths of our holy religion, of the pro- 
mises of the gospel, still T found the charms of this 
world capable of taking entire possession of me. How 
differently do I now view it. Affliction only can clear 
away the mist from before our eyes, and enable us to 
distinguish the fleeting and chequered enjoyments of 
this world, from the real and never ending felicity 
which can only be attained in that which is to come. 

"2Gth September, 1818. — Nearly fourteen months 
have now elapsed since the departure of your beloved 
mothci", jiiid eiglit since the tidings reached me of our 
dear .Jcrvis liavinir followed her to the realms of bliss. 



Chap. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 479 

During the whole period of my life I do not remember 
any to have passed with more entire tranquillity than 
this season of affliction, or Nvith more consistency of 
reflection. 

" When I am suffering most from depression of mind, 
and the mournful contemplation of my widowed state, I 
can readily trace these gloomy feelings to their source ; 
and find them to have taken possession of me, as the 
world renews its cares and influence, and renders the 
view of eternity less distinct than when seen through 
that pass by which your beloved mother and brother 
have entered into it. 

"24th September, 1820. A long interruption has 
here occurred, my darling children, and prevented for 
many months the continuance of an employment, which 
had not only become most deeply interesting, but in a 
manner sacred ; as its intention was to keep ahve in 
your minds the remembrance of your mother's virtues, 
and to lead you to cherish them in your hearts, as so 
many delightful and irresistible examples for your own 
conduct. The interruption has not only been long, 
but very nearly final, from the severe illness by 
which it was occasioned ; but a kind and merciful 
Providence has, in addition to innumerable mercies and 
blessings, brought me througli this trial, and restored 
me, if not to health, at least to the capability of 
resuming my former occupations. 

" It has often occurred to me whilst lying on the 
bed of sickness, that the reflections necessarily sug- 
gested by such a state, if accurately recorded, would 
not only be of the greatest value to the suff'erer, should 



480 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVT. 

he be permitted to recover, but also of inestimable 
benefit to many who might have escaped such ex- 
perience ; and it most forciMy struck me, as a most 
appropriate subject for this journal, in which T hope, 
my dear children, you will continue to derive religious 
instructions from your affectionate parents, long after 
the period in which they will have been called away 
from you. Here under the influence of the most tender 
associations and recollections, you will find yourselves 
assured that the hour of affliction is rarely, if ever, 
without its sources of alleviation ; to the sincere 
Christian, I may add with confidence, never. 

" My illness was occasioned by cold, and violent 
inflammation in my wound, which had been closed for 
upwards of four years. This led to the formation of 
an extensive abscess, which for some days kept me in 
a very dangerous state ; it confined me to my bed for 
several weeks, and for six months has reduced me to 
the state of a cripple, in which I must expect to 
remain for some time longer. I do not remember 
during any period of my illness to have considered the 
danger imminent, but I feel a comfort in the recol- 
lection that I had no considerable anxiety, or any 
afflicting thoughts, even in the most alarming moments. 
But I had many serious and salutary reflections, for 
which I hope to be the better during the remainder of 
my days. The retrospect of the last years of my life 
did not afford me the consolation and confidence which 
I had so often and so presumptuously flattered myself 
it would have done. On the contrary, it brought 
the most unanswerable evidence that I had been living 



Chap. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOK 481 

in error and vanity, in a system of Christianity very 

different from that laid down by our blessed Saviour. 

This was the Hght in which I began to view the last, 

and what I had arrogantly considered the meritorious 

part of my conduct ; but how innumerable were the 

instances, or rather how constant was the practice of 

my ' living without God in the world/ How entirely 

did 1 find that I had devoted myself to this life, and 

how faint were the impressions of the hfe to come. 

And yet I had been in the habit of considering myself 

so certain of salvation, as to look forward to death as 

the only source of consolation for the affliction I had 

experienced in the loss of your sainted parent and 

brother. Such a confidence is indeed a delightful one 

if it be properly and rightly sustained ; and if it can be 

rationally indulged, is certain of being efficacious under 

the heaviest pressure of worldly misery. But it is not 

to be attained so easily as we are frequently induced 

to imagine, by dividing our affections between this 

world and the world to come ; or rather by paying a 

formal heartless worship to God, whilst all our thoughts 

are occupied in our worldly treasures, in those we have 

lost, or in those we still possess or fear to lose. Could we 

bring ourselves to say with real sincerity of heart and 

perfect resignation, ' Thy holy will be done ;' could we 

devote the remainder of our lives to Him, who gives 

and takes away, as infinite wisdom suggests ; could we 

enjoy the blessings of this life with gratitude, but look 

forward with hope, dehght, and confidence to the 

divine promises for eternal happiness, then indeed we 

might say, ' ! death where is thy sting, ! grave 

2 I 



482 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVI. 

where is thy victory !' We might then say with the 
excellent and pious Doddridge, that 'the cords of 
affection which would have tied us to the earth, and 
have added new pangs to our removal from it, are 
become as a golden chain to draw us upward, and add 
one further charm and joy to even paradise itself.' 
This most desirable, most pleasant state of mind can 
never be gained by our own unassisted exertions. This 
is a truth which cannot be too frequently repeated to 
us. Thousands have sought for it in vain. To obtain 
it, we must unreservedly give ourselves to our blessed 
Redeemer, and seek for comfort through His divine 
atonement. My frame of mind previous to this illness 
had been very different. I thought less of the awful 
deficiency, which must appear when I should be called 
upon to render an account of the talent which had 
been committed to my charge, than of my fancied 
superiority over such of my fellow creatures as were 
openly disobeying the commandments of God ; and like 
the self-righteous Pharisee, 1 felt, if I did not express, 
my self-gratulation in not being as the * PubKcan ;' 
little reflecting, that he might be inwardly struggling 
against an evil nature, performing acts of virtue un- 
known to all but his Creator, and depending solely for 
help and pardon on llim, who says, ' whosoever cometh 
unto me I will in no ways cast out.' Reflections such 
as these could have no effect in inspiring confidence or 
hope, when on tlie confmes of death, or in bearing up 
the spirit to sustain its infirmities ; they were conse- 
quently rejected as productive rather of despair than 
consolation. I am happy to say, they were as transi- 



Chap. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 483 

tory as useless, and that I turned at once to Him, who 
alone could give me peace, to our blessed Saviour and 
Redeemer. His words appeared to be instantly veri- 
fied. I felt the burden with which I was ' weary and 
heavy laden,' at once removed, and that I could cast 
my care on Him. I prayed for strength of mind to 
conquer my worldly feehngs and propensities ; for gra- 
titude for all the blessings vouchsafed to me, but above 
all for that most stupendous sacrifice, by which I was 
redeeemed from sin and misery ; that it might bring 
forth in me the most perfect resignation to the Divine 
Will, the most perfect trust and confidence in God ; 
the most unbounded and indefatigable charity to my 
fellow creatures. If I am still without the object of 
this prayer, yet I have the comfort of knowing, that I 
am much more sensible of my deficiencies ; and that I 
do daily and constantly indulge the humble hope, that 
I shall be graciously assisted in conquering the remain- 
ing depravities and corruptions of my nature. 

" Blessed with all that could render life a state of hap- 
piness, the most perfect description of it, domestic hap- 
piness ; I never once considered the certainty that a few 
years must end it, but allowed myself to be as much 
absorbed in the contemplation of it as though this life 
were all in all. With a full and perfect conviction upon 
my mind of the truths of our Holy Religion, and of the 
promises of the gospel, still I found the charms of tliis 
world capable of taking entire possession of me. How 
diff*erently do I now view it. Affliction only can clear 
away the mist from our eyes, and enable us to distin- 
guish the fleeting and chequered enjoyments of this 



484 MEMOIR OF Chap. XYL 

world, from the real and never ending felicity which 
can only be attained in that which is to come." 

In allusion to the death of his wife and his son — 
"Those events which in the course of my life have 
appeared the most unpromising, and have been attended 
with the most anxiety, have frequently and generally 
proved the sources of comfort and happiness. The two 
heavy dispensations, which have lately befallen me, can- 
not have such consequences in this world ; but I fer- 
vently and humbly trust they may be the means of 
preparing me for eternal happiness in the next, by 
awakening me from 9,u attachment to the things of this 
life, which almost exclusively occupied my thoughts. 
The more innocent the affections, the more we are in- 
clined to indulge them, and the less do we perceive our 
danger of being drawn away from God. But the Al- 
mighty in his wisdom and mercy knew what was best 
for me. He has afflicted me, and I humbly implore 
his Holy Spirit to give me perfect resignation to his 
Divine will. How keen would have been my grief for 
the loss of so promising a child as your brother Jervis, 
at such an age, and whom T had fondly contemplated 
as my successor and representative, if I had only thought 
of him in a worldly point of view. But seeing him as I 
do, disposed of by Divine wisdom, I resign him into the 
hands of his Maker. It is true, he will never more 
come to me, but I humbly trust I shall go to him. May 
worldly wisdom grow every day more insignificant in 
your eyes, my dear children ; at least such wisdom as is 
so generally sought for. You will soon attain the 
delightful experience, that even for success, prosperity, 



Chap XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 485 

and happiness in this world, Divine Wisdom is all 
in all." 

" October the 1 2th. — The frequent menacing appear- 
ances which my health and wound assume, form a con- 
stant source of serious reflection, and I feel that it may 
be neither unimportant, nor a waste of time, to note 
these thoughts down as they occur. They may be of 
infinite benefit to you, my dear children, in influencing 
your conduct on similar occasions, should you be 
visited by them ; and the experience of those we love 
has a powerful effect in fixing our resolutions, and 
dictating our line of conduct. In the first place then, 
I am more than ever convinced that trials and afiiic- 
tions are sent for our good, sent in kindness and in 
mercy ; and that so far from repining under them, we 
incur an awful responsibility, if we do kot turn them 
to good account, by taking them as warnings against 
our worldly attachments, and by listening to the voice 
with which they so earnestly direct us towards eternity. 
This duty is obvious and imperative, however hard to 
fulfil. It is now the chief object of my solicitude ; and 
I feel that I can only appropriate to myself the blessed 
hope of immortality, in proportion to the measure in 
which I can resign myself to the Divine will, and pre- 
serve my mind unshaken by the cares and anxieties of 
life. So happy a frame of mind is neither easily to be 
acquired, nor long preserved, amidst the shocks to which 
we are exposed, and the conflicting passions of our 
nature. I hope, however, I have succeeded, my dearest 
my beloved children, in resigning you into the hands 
of a merciful, and an omnipotent Protector ; and I 



486 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVI. 

humbly trust that you will ever remain under his 
paternal care, receivnig with gratitude the blessings He 
bestows, and seeking the Divine approbation as your 
only object." 

The narrative has perhaps been suspended too long, 
while the private meditations and recollections of this 
excellent man have been thus brought before the reader. 
But the Editor feels no apology due for the delay. It has 
been said already, and said more than once, that the object 
of the present volume was to present to the public the 
picture, not of the seaman, or the officer, but of the 
man ; and the portrait would have been incomplete, 
it would have been deficient in that which like expres- 
sion in painting, gives the chief value to the re- 
presentation, if dwelling on features of general 
interest, and which must arrest universal attention, 
it had neglected or omitted others more adapted 
to private life, and suited to personal application. 
The world have long known what Sir Jahleel Bren- 
ton was on the deck, in the hour of action, or the 
storm. It is the object of the present memoir to shew 
what he was in the retirement of his home, as a hus- 
band, a father, and a man ; and with this in view, the 
Editor trusts that he has not trespassed too largely, 
either on the patience of his readers, or on the sacred- 
ness of private memorials, by shewing how Sir Jahleel 
Brenton bore the trials to which he was subjected in 
private life, and the exemplary manner in which he 
discharged the several relations in which he stood. It 
need not bo doubted that the service included officers, 
whose courage, whose zeal, whose intelligence and self- 



Chap. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 487 

possession were equal to his ; and it is possible that there 
were some who might have been compared to him in 
other respects ; but it is the combination of quahties 
which gives to character its peculiarity ; and it is the 
peculiarity of character which renders its example 
profitable. The earlier portion of the narrative ex- 
hibited its subject in the form which appeared most 
consistent with his excellence as an officer ; but justice 
seems to require, that he who was as admirable for the 
gentler qualities of his nature, as for those which were 
suited to arrest the world's notice, should be presented 
to the reader in other scenes, and under other trials ; as 
occupying the painful post of observation, while watch- 
ing the sick-bed of that wife, for whom he had 
entertained an attachment as romantic as it was 
reasonable ; as subsequently cherishing and educating 
the children, whom her lengthened sickness and early 
removal had devolved on his care ; as exercising all the 
graces of Christian benevolence in his intercourse with 
his fellow creatures, wherever his lot was cast ; and as 
engaged in seeking comfort for himself, under a loss 
that seemed to be irreparable, by meditating on the 
promises of scripture. 

The character of the remainder of his life was to be 
essentially different from that of its commencement. 
The excitement of hope, the energy of enterprize, the 
exultation of triumph were to be exchanged for calmer 
feelings, adapted to the circumstances in which he was 
to be placed. But a surer test of excellence can 
hardly be conceived, than to see it uniformly exhibited 
under every variety of position ; exposed to trial in 



488 IMEMOIR OF Chap. XVI, 

different ways, and superior to triajl in all ; and the 
principle "which supports men under successive forms 
of temptation, which overcomes the weaknesses of age 
as well as the weaknesses ef youth, and gives to every 
part of life the same characteristic tone of goodness, is 
the most entitled to admiration, as it proves most 
effectively the purity of its original. 

From the date of Lady Brenton's death. Sir Jahleel's 
residence at the Cape did not include any event which 
calls for particular notice. The stirring interests of a 
time of war had been succeeded by a peace, which 
seemed more likely to be durable, from the exhaustion 
to which the contending powers had been reduced by 
the length of the previous contest. The duties of his 
office occupied his day; the care of his children occu- 
pied his earlier and later hours; and few men were 
better quahfied by talent, taste, and habitual gentleness 
of mind for the discharge of this last — this anxious and 
delicate duty. Having the singular advantage of a sis- 
ter residing with him, and of a sister who sympathised 
with all his feelings, and entered into all his views, he 
was able to pursue with less uneasiness the labours 
which his public employment occasioned, even when 
they rendered absence from home necessary ; and shortly 
after the event which left him a widower, he felt it his 
duty to undertake a journey of considerable extent, 
along the Eastern coast as far as the mouth of the 
Knyzna ; in order to ascertain, by personal observation, 
some points of considerable importance for the pubHc 
service. Of these the chief were to investigate the 
faciUtics for establishing a coasting trade along the 



Chai>. XVI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 489 

shores of the colony, and to examine resources which 
the mouth of the river Knyzna offered as a harbour for 
the shipping employed for this purpose ; and connected 
with this, to get some information as to the quality of 
the timber produced in the forests, and its fitness for 
the purposes of the dock-yard. He has left a detailed 
narrative of this journey, which amply deserves publi- 
cation, and which accordingly is printed as it is found. 
It contains an interesting description of the scenery 
through which he passed — a country which even at pre- 
sent is comparatively unknown; but it is still more 
valuable as exhibiting the character of the mind with 
which he viewed it. The journey was undertaken very 
shortly after the loss which seemed to him so irrepar- 
able ; and yet we meet with no querulous expressions of 
grief, no idle recollections of past happiness. He had 
resigned the being whom he loved above all earthly 
things to the will of Him, from whom he had first 
received her; and conscious that the best resource for 
his own weakness was employment ; and trusting that 
the discharge of duty would bring consolation with it, 
he seems to have looked round for opportunities of use- 
fulness, and to have sought comfort for himself in endea- 
vouring to do good to others. Gifted as he was with a 
taste for scenery, and capable of viewing every combina- 
tion in nature with an artistes eye, the remarks with 
which his journal are filled, are chiefly characterized by 
benevolence and zeal for his country's service. In 
every place he visits, the welfare of the people, and the 
means of public improvement, are the objects that prin- 
cipally attract his attention ; and while every thing is 



490 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVI 

noted, and noted in a way which shews how fully it was 
appreciated, an universal desire to do good predomi- 
nates in the observations which he makes, and marks 
what was passing in the heart of the writer. 

The narrative concludes abruptly, and the reader who 
has accompanied him in his wanderings through that 
beautiful, and at that time unexplored region, will hear 
with pain that the cause, which terminated the journey, 
and closed the narrative so suddenly, was the arrival of 
a letter which reached him on his way back from the 
mouth of the Knyzna, and which announced the death 
of his son Jervis. This boy, to whom such frequent 
reference has been made in the Journal, and whose 
character seemed to justify all that was felt towards 
him, died at Winchester School, after a very short 
illness, and within a few days of that which closed 
Lady Brenton's life. His fond mother was spared the 
pang of hearing of that event, and he was spared the 
pain with which he must have heard of her release ; but 
Sir Jahleel, through this singular concurrence of trials, 
merely passed from one affliction to meet the shock of 
the other ; and perhaps was thus to learn that no 
earthly comfort was to be made use of as a resting 
place for the soul, or to occupy affections which were 
due to God alone. 



Chad. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 491 



CHAPTER XVII. 



NARRATIVE OF A JOURNEY TO THE MOUTH OF THE KNYZNA. 

" The result of all the information obtained respecting 
the Knyzna, and the report of its being admirably 
adapted as a shipping place for the timber required for 
the use of the dock yard, as well as for cargoes to send 
to England, induced me to form the resolution of visit- 
ing it, for the purpose of ascertaining how far it might 
be made to realize the idea which I had formed of its 
being made useful on a large scale, not only to the 
naval department but to the colony. It was not until 
the month of November, 1817, that I was enabled to 
fulfil my intentions. 

" On the 24th of that month I left Sans Souci, the 
residence of my talented and well informed friend, 
Colonel Warre,''^' the Deputy Quarter Master General, 
accompanied by him and Colonel Graham, the Com- 
mandant of Simon's Town. This officer had long com- 
manded the Hottentot or Kaflfer corps, on the eastern 
frontier, by whom, and by all the inhabitants of every 

* Now Mfijor General Sir ^VUliain AVarro, K. C. R. 



492 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVI. 

part of the colony where he was known, he was univer- 
sally respected and beloved, as a gallant soldier and a 
most amiable man. His knowledge of the colony was 
perhaps greater than that of any other individual who 
had held military employment in it ; and his knowledge 
of the character of the Dutch colonists and Hottentots, 
as well as his judgment in his intercourse with them was 
such, that a more valuable or more agreeable companion 
could not have been selected. His skill in field sports 
especially rendered him the idol of the Hottentots, who 
looked up to him as something more than mortal. 

" For our convenience in travelling, the governor lent 
us one of the colonial wagons, admirably qualified by 
its strength, and as much lightness as such a vehicle is 
susceptible of possessing, for the purpose. In this we 
carried our baggage, and were enabled to take shelter 
from the weather, either from rain or heat. We had 
also our saddle horses and servants, and were supplied 
with such articles as we were not likely to find in the 
interior of the colony. Little however was needful, 
for we were assured of meeting with the most unbounded 
hospitality, wherever we might stop ; nor were we dis- 
appointed in any one instance that T can recollect ; and 
tlic only recompense that would ever be accepted, 
almost by the very poorest families, was the game that 
might liavo been killed by my two companions in the 
course of the day's journey. 

"We passed the first night in the hospitable and 
comfortable mansion of Mr. Lawrence Cloett, at Sand- 
vlict; whose estate was daily increasing in value from 
the improvements he was making. His breed of horses 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 493 

bids fair to be very valuable to the colony, and was very 
numerous. He spared no pains or expence in procur- 
ing thorough-bred stalKons, and the colts were in conse- 
quence in great demand. 

" Mr. Cloett also paid great attention to his vine- 
yards, from which he made annually 1000 leaguers of 
wine upon an average. Limestone is another very pro- 
fitable production of this estate, which is sent in large 
quantities to Cape town ; as well as many loads of hay. 
This hay is made from oats sown for the purpose, and 
cut in time to prevent the grain from being easily 
separated from the stem. It is mown while green, and 
treated in the same manner as grass in England. This 
is considered to be the very best forage that can be 
given to horses ; such at least was the opinion of Lord 
Charles Somerset, who would be considered as good 
authority on such a subject. 

" Mr. Cloett, aware of the object of my journey as 
regarding the timber of the colony, directed my notice 
to the durability of the different kinds of wood ac- 
cording to the season in which it was cut. Comparing 
the timber felled in midwinter, when the sap was down, 
with that which had been promiscuously cut at all 
seasons, he had found that the former lasted for many 
years, the other being of a very short duration. This in- 
formation was of great importance, as the yellow wood 
is almost universally employed for house carpenters' 
work where deal is used in Europe, but we had found 
it would not bear exposure to wet or damp. 

" On the 25th, at 8 o'clock, our party left Sand-vliet, 
and crossing the Erste river, the horse of Colonel Warre 



494 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

got into one of the quicksands, which are very frequent on 
all the beaches along this coast ; but he was soon extri- 
cated, and we found a fine hard sand, on which we galloped 
to Gordon's Bay. This little bay, which is completely 
sheltered from the prevailing south-east wind, the only 
wind to be much dreaded in False bay, lies immediately 
under Hottentots Holland Kloof ; and offers to the resi- 
dent, means of transporting the corn and produce of the 
eastern districts to Simon's bay. But the Dutch always 
appear to have had a decided aversion to a coasting 
trade ; and when I was endeavouring to persuade a 
farmer (and one of a description that might be called 
educated) of the great advantage of having a schooner 
of seventy tons, which would take seventy loads of corn 
to the Cape Town market ; while, if carried by land, 
it would be the work of 980 oxen, 140 slaves, with 70 
wagons; he replied, ' True, Commissioner, but then you 
see, mine fader and mine grandfader always send his 
corn mid de bullock vagen; and why not IV This 
argument is rarely to be got over. 

" Were a mole carried out in Gordon's bay, it would 
be attended with immense advantages, not only to the 
Naval and Victuallers' Establishments in Simon's bay, 
but to Cape Town also ; to which wagons drawn by 
fourteen and often by sixteen oxen, laden with only 
one ton of farm produce, arc dragged, through a deep 
sand for at least thirty miles, out of the whole distance, 
which is forty. The coasting vessels would then be in 
perfect security with all winds, and only leave the port 
wlicn there was a moral certainty of a quick passage. 
A moderate S.E. wind, the prevailing wind nine months 



I 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 495 

out of twelve, would carry them to Simon's bay in less 
than six hours, and in twelve or fourteen to Table bay. 
No coaster should be employed in False bay of a greater 
burthen than 100 tons, as a Hght draught of water 
would enable them to get close in shore for loading and 
unloading, not only in Gordon's, but in Simon's bay and 
Table bay. 

" The road over the western extremity of the great 
branch of the Swartberg, or mountains which run 
parallel with the south-east coast, which is called Hot- 
tentots Hollands Kloof, commences at Gordon's bay, 
and was at this time so steep and rugged, as to be 
attended with much difficulty, especially to the heavy 
wagons of the country. Our party however having 
their saddle horses with them, found great enjoyment 
in ascending it, as in the frequent halts which it was 
necessary to make, they had a most splendid view of 
the Cape Flat, as the level or the isthmus is called, 
which stretches between the Table mountain and those 
of the Blueberg. 

" From the summit of Hottentots Holland Kloof the 
view towards the north and the west is sublime and 
magnificent beyond description, and can scarcely be 
surpassed. The Table mountain, which forms a strik- 
ing feature on the western side of the isthmus, appears 
from the height on which the spectator stands, diminished 
to a small island ; whilst the Cape Flat, as the isthmus 
is called, which connects it with the range of mountains 
skirting the eastern side of it, is dotted with farms and 
vineyards, especially near the Table mountain, where 
the two Constantias, Newlands Wynburg, and Rende- 



496 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

lins look like clusters of ornamental cottages ; and even 
the tracts of bare white sand, which are interspersed 
amidst the colouring of every hue, from that of the dark 
cypress to the brightest green of spring, produced by 
the innumerable shrubs which clothe the plain and the 
sides of the mountains, become features of extraordinary 
beauty, lighting up the landscape with the most forcible 
touches. 

" The view on the S.E. side of this range of mountains 
is far less interesting. A wide extent of barren and 
broken ground, offering to the eye a fatiguing monotony 
without any grand or striking features as in Scotland or 
Wales ; and wanting the little pan of cultivated land 
occasionally seen in the vallies bordering the silver 
stream. 

"We at last surmounted this pass, which could only 
be effected by putting oxen to the wagon, which being 
trained to the task, and by nature more patient than 
the horse, slowly but certainly get up the mountain wdth 
the heaviest load. Where one span, or team, is found 
insufficient, it is frequently the case that two are put on, 
and as many as thirty-two oxen may be seen crawling 
up the mountain, at a distance resembling an immense 
caterpillar. The road from Hottentots Holland to the 
Palmut river is broken and irregular. The river which 
we had now to ford was but of little depth. The greater 
part of the summer it is nearly dry, but in the winter it 
is frequently impassable from the violence and depth of 
the torrents. This circumstance occasions great impe- 
diments in travelling through the colony ; a delay of 
many days is frequently experienced, and even whole 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 497 

families, who have left their homes for the purpose of 
going to a Church only a few miles distant, have been 
detained many days on the banks of one of these tor- 
rents, without the possibility of getting across : at the 
same time no house being near, they have been under 
the necessity of making their bivouac, in and under the 
wagon ; the boor furnishing them with provisions by / 

means of his gun, from which he is seldom separated, 
and which is his never failing companion in his journies. 
" A most remarkable circumstance grew out of this 
uncertainty, as to passing the rivers, while I was a 
resident in the colony. Some farmers, residing within 
a few miles of Stelenbosch, were in the habit of going 
thither to church on the Sunday, and having to pass a 
river on the way, were frequently detained in the man- 
ner above mentioned. In consequence of this incon- 
venience, they determined to purchase a piece of land, 
on which they might, as the}^ could collect the means, 
build a church for their own immediate neighbourhood ; 
accordingly they collected amongst themselves 23,000 
guilders — at that time about <£330 sterling — and bought 
a considerable piece of ground with it. Having appor- 
tioned as much of this as they judged necessary for the 
church, the parsonage house, glebe, &c., &c., they divided 
the remainder into lots, for dwelling houses and gar- 
dens, and put them up to auction with a view of getting 
back some of the purchase money. Extraordinar}^ as 
it may appear, it is nevertheless a fact, that the remnant 
of a piece of land, the whole of which had been pur- 
chased for 23,000 guilders, thus divided into small lots, 
fetched by auction the enormous sum of 163,000 guil- 

2 K 



498 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIL 

ders. It was of course the vicinity of the intended 
church, and the prospect of a town rising round it, 
which gave this immense increase of value to the land ; 
and what encouragement does this hold out, even to 
worldly speculators, as to the expediency of building 
churches. We have heard it stated that the million 
sterling, which some years since, was appropriated by 
parliament for building churches, has brought in an 
immense interest in the shape of taxes of various de- 
scriptions levied upon the houses which have been 
built, and the population which has been collected round 
them ; and if to these are added the produce of the 
excise, the gain must be very great — no money what- 
ever, perhaps, ever brought in so large a return as 
this did. 

" But the circumstance becomes deeply interesting in 
a much higher point of view. It shews the earnest 
desire even of the Cape Boor for religious instruction — 
and 'that the fields are indeed white unto harvest 
while the labourers are few.' 

"The Palmut river was not at this time very deep, but 
the water came up nearly to the bottom of the wagon. 
The dogs which accompanied the party had in conse- 
quence a very narrow escape from being drowned. In 
order to prevent their feet from being cut by the rough 
roads, and to keep them fresh against the time when their 
services might be called for, they were generally put in 
baskets in which their beds were made, and hung under 
the wagon, but so close to the bottom of it, as to prevent 
tlicir jumping out. Upon this occasion they had been 
forgotten, and on passing through the river there was 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 499 

barely space between the surface of the water and the 
bottom of the wagon, to enable them to keep their 
noses out of it. Three inches more and they must 
have been lost. Tow^ards evening the windings of the 
Palmut River, and the fine outline of the Swartberg 
mountains — the one contrasted with the deep shade 
thrown over the land, and the others with the bright 
blue sky, formed a magnificent picture. 

" We passed the night at the house of a Dutch farmer, 
named Uric, where we were most comfortably accom- 
modated. He was a very industrious man, and al- 
though a cripple from rheumatism, and only assisted by 
two slaves, had succeeded in the course of two years 
in building a house, in planting a large vineyard, and 
providing for his children and grand-children. 

" On the 26th, having procured oxen for the purpose, 
we began to ascend the great Hac-hoek (or the great 
high corner) the road passing over a range of moun- 
tains diverging from the great chain of the Swartberg, 
and running towards the sea near Cape Lagullos. The 
view from the summit of this pass was highly pic- 
turesque. On the left, the grand chain of the Swart- 
berg which runs along the coast from False Cape to 
Algoa bay was seen receding and losing itself in a vivid 
blue distance. At the foot of the Hac-hoek, on the 
eastern side, runs the Both Riviere, which in the summer 
like almost all the smaller Cape rivers, is little more 
than the bed of a winter torrent. Here we found again 
a labourious settler, living on a farm on the left bank of 
this river, in which but a very few years before he had 
considered himself with his large family as in a state of 



500 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIT. 

independence. He had built a mill just below his house, 
and bj a lateral cut he had brought the water to turn 
it. This had cost him infinite labour to effect, but it 
answered admirably. His garden, containing abundance 
of fruit trees, and about two thousand vines, was con- 
tiguous to the mill, and was watered by the stream that 
turned it. But the river increased in the course of one 
night to a fearful torrent, which destroyed his garden ■ 
and vineyard, ruined his mill, and covered the soil near 
his house with such a deluge of sand and rocks as to 
render it almost unfit for future cultivation. The 
worthy man was for some time in a state of despair, 
declared himself ruined, and saw nothing before him but 
a miserable old age. He however exerted himself with 
renewed energy, selected another spot for a mill and gar- 
den on the opposite side of the river, and his efforts 
have been crowned with success : only a very few years 
had elapsed when we saw him, with his mill restored 
and in use, and an extensive garden with a vineyard of 
twenty thousand vines. We found him in the full 
enjoyment of his well merited prosperity, an example 
of patience and industry to all his neighbours. 

" After passing the Both Riviere the country lost its 
precipitous character, but was intersected by deep 
ravines extending from the base of the mountains to the 
sea on the S.E. coast, the hills sloping gradually into 
them, their sides abounding in verdure, but with few 
trees. The vallies were in general well supplied with 
water, and consequently fertile, better calculated for 
vines than corn, although the latter grows in abundance 
where there is moisture. 



CflAr. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 501 

" We arrived in the middle of the day at Caledon, a 
town which may be supposed by its name to have had 
its origin under the British Government. It is situated 
in the Brandt valley, and near the hot baths. It was 
founded in 1810, and had at this period a very impos- 
ing appearance, with its church, town house, and 
magistrates' houses ; the other dwellings have also a 
pretty appearance, being white-washed and neatly 
painted. There is but httle taste displayed in point of 
architecture, in which the Dutch taste is not only preva- 
lent but exclusive, 

" We here were most hospitably received and enter- 
tained by the chief magistrate, Mr. Frawenfeller, and 
passed a day with him in viewing the baths, the hospi- 
tal, and the leper establishment. This hideous disease 
of leprosy is held perhaps in greater horror by the 
Dutch than by other nations, who are careful to keep 
those affected by it as separate as possible from the 
population ; in which they are undoubtedly right, pro- 
vided the afflicted are not made to suffer from these 
restrictions, which, from the information obtained here, 
was not suspected to be the case. 

"From Caledon I proceeded with my friends to 
Bavian's Kloof, as we were very desirous of seeing the 
Moravian establishment in that neighbourhood, called 
by them Genadendahl, or the vale of grace. The road 
on leaving Caledon, and until near Bavian's Kloof, was 
very bad, winding round the sides of the mountain. 
The country had much of the same undulating appear- 
ance as that between the Hac-hoek and Caledon, but on 
approaching Bavian's Kloof it became level and good. 



502 MEMOIR OF Chap, XVII. 

The morning had been wet, but clearing up as we 
approached the Moravian settlement, we saw it to 
great advantage. The Swartberg mountains, elevated, 
bleak, and bare, formed the back ground of the view, 
and appeared to overhang Genadendahl. The road ran 
between two moderately elevated hills on each hand, 
with a fertile and well cultivated valley between them, 
and led winding through extensive corn grounds, and 
large tracts of heath to the Moravian establishment. 
These corn grounds are in general the property of the 
Hottentots, who have sought refuge among the 
Moravians from the persecution of the boors, and 
many of them evince great proofs of skill and indus- 
try; others again shew that their owners had not 
entirely conquered that aversion to labour, which is so 
strikingly manifested by that people. The first view of 
Bavian's Kloof and the vallies surrounding the mission- 
ary establishment is very striking, and reminded us 
forcibly of those affecting descriptions of the pastor and 
his flock in the wild and mountainous parts of Scotland, 
to which the Presbyterians had been driven in that 
country, in the days of persecution. The church, a 
modest but spacious building, with its roof of thatch, 
rose to a considerable height amidst the cottages of the 
Hottentots, which surrounded it in every direction, and 
in every variety of form and grade of civilization. They 
appeared to have sought and to have obtained protec- 
tion under the shadow of the house of God, and the 
valley appeared to be at once the vale of grace, and the 
vale of peace. It was truly delightful to observe the 
gradual, but in many instances the very high degree 



Chap. XVU. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 503 

of improvement, which had taken place in the habits of 
this most interesting race, and the reverence, and grati- 
tude, and love many of them shewed towards their kind 
and single-hearted protectors. 

"The establishment was originally founded in 1733, 
by the Moravian Smyth, but in consequence of the 
hostility of the Dutch colonists it was broken up in 
1742. A pear tree planted by Mr. Smyth during the 
period, now remained in the garden, as a monument of 
the first existence of the retreat. It was re-established 
in 1792 j but during the government of Sir James 
Craddock, a conspiracy was formed by the Boors to 
murder the Moravians, and to seize upon the defence- 
less Hottentots. Timely information having however 
been sent to the Governor, due precaution was taken, 
and the conspirators dispersed.'" Since that time the 
inmates have been suffered to remain in peace, although 
hated by the neighbouring Boors, as they prevent their 
exercising upon the Hottentots, the fraud and oppres- 
sion which these people formerly suffered from them. 

" The church, although a heavy unsightly building, 
with its very deep thatched roof and sharp gables, 
becomes deeply interesting, when filled with its atten- 
tive congregation. It is not possible to conceive more 
genuine and artless devotion than that which is mani- 
fested externally by the Hottentots; and we are 
justified in the hope, that a very large portion of them 
are deeply impressed with the blessed truths, which 
they hear from their truly pious instructors. We 

* Bariow, Vol. I. p. 311. 



504 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

cannot guess the heart, but if consistency of character, 
and a life evidently formed on true christian principles 
will entitle people to be considered as genuine followers 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, that title may safely be con- 
ferred upon them. They themselves will never claim it, 
but they pursue the peaceful tenor of their way, through 
good report, and through evil report, having apparently 
only one object in view, which is the faithful fulfilment 
of their duty to their God, and to their fellow creatures. 
And what but the divine blessing upon their sincere 
and humble endeavours to promote the happiness of 
their fellow creature, could give that power, authority, 
and stability to their society, which they evidently 
possess ? Neither having, nor wishing for the means of 
coercion, their influence over their flock is founded on 
love ; and the fear of that love being withdrawn, is the 
only but effectual restraint by which the Hottentot is 
kept from infringing the rules of the society. It would 
be impossible on a hasty visit to form a just estimate of 
these most useful missionaries. We passed some days 
with them, and were delighted with their truly consis- 
tent method of civihzing the Hottentots. It seemed 
to be their object to make them feel that they were not 
only rational but immortal beings; and to guide them 
not only to improve the blessings which God had 
bestowed upon them for their advantage in this world, 
but also to use these blessings in such a manner as 
might prepare them for the everlasting happiness of 
heaven. In this system, the first use that man is 
tauglit to make of his reasoning powers is to learn 
that lie is a sinner, as helpless with regard to the 



Chap XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 505 

renovation of his soul from the state of corruption, 
into which for the first time he was made sensible 
that he had fallen, as he was in the state of savage 
nature, in which he had hitherto lived, to obtain 
the comforts and advantages possessed by the more 
enlightened European. In this way religion and civi- 
lization went hand in hand, and it was very remarkable 
that on observing a particularly neat cottage, and a 
well kept garden, it was almost always found to belong 
to the most advanced Christian ; and this may in a 
great measure be accounted for by the unwearied 
patience observed by the Moravians over their charge. 
They are so far from being precipitate in making the 
Hottentots nominal Christians by the external rite of 
baptism, that it is possible they err on the other hand, 
and exact too much. If this be an error however, it is 
one on the safe side. But a long series of good con- 
duct, an evident reformation from old habits, and a con- 
siderable acquirement of knowledge of the New Testa- 
ment are considered indispensable before they can be 
baptized ; and a much greater advance in Christianity 
is required before they can be admitted to the sacra- 
ment of the Lord's Supper. 

"In conversing with Mr. Lestner, the chief of the 
Missionary establishment, upon this subject, I learnt 
that even the qualifications last mentioned of an ex- 
emplary life of piety were not all that was expected from 
the candidate for the sacrament ; but that he must, 
notwithstanding the most spotless cliaracter, be exposed 
to the lot — his name being put to into one vase, and 
when drawn out, a paper was drawn out of another 



506 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

vase, containing either an affirmative or a negative. I 
put a case to Mr. Lestner, in which I supposed the can- 
didate to have been educated under his own eye, and 
personally known to him ; to have been from infancy 
most exemplary, as a child to his parents, as a servant 
to his master, as a companion to those around him, and, 
I asked, would he still be subjected to the lotl The 
answer was, ' Most certainly,' and the precedent of 
Matthias was given as a reason. It consequently hap- 
pened that in some instances several negatives followed 
each other, but at length the affirmative came, and the 
candidate became a communicant. Whatever opinion 
may be formed of the apparently unnecessary strictness, 
it produced the very best effects in many instances ; and 
could not well be abused, as the testimony of good 
character was necessary before the experiment of the 
lot could be tried, and there were therefore very few 
instances of unworthy members being admitted. 

" The assistance and countenance the Hottentots 
received from the Missionaries depended much upon 
the grade the latter had taken as constituting the 
Christian, and this will readily account for the superior 
appearance of their dwellings. 

" The service in the church was short, and very im- 
pressive, consisting of prayers, exhortations, hymns, and 
a sermon ; and the greatest attention was observable in 
the congregation. Some manifested a most ardent de- 
votion ; and many undoubtedly felt it. The singing of 
the female Hottentots was delightful, and added power- 
fully to the effect produced by this view of the worsliip 
of God in the wilderness. 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 507 

" The same gradation of improvement was observed 
in the dress of the Hottentots as was apparent in their 
dwelHngs. In the rows nearest the reading desk the 
females were clad in European manufactures, and dis- 
played great neatness and cleanliness; some indeed 
went further, and had added what might be termed 
finery; but this was much discouraged by the Morav- 
ian ladies, who, while employing them in the beautiful 
work so well known and appreciated in Europe, taught 
them to consider that it should form no part of their 
own attire. 

" On the middle benches there were mingled with an 
approach to the costume of the white inhabitant some 
remains of the sheep's skin covering of their early state, 
and less of cleanliness might be remarked ; and on those 
most remote, the genuine Hottentot was seen in the 
habiliments of his early days. 

" On the first arrival of the Hottentot at the establish- 
ment, he is provided with a piece of ground, his only 
claim being the recommendation of one of his country- 
men ; and on this spot he is left to act at perfect liberty, 
without either direction or restraint. He is required, 
as the only tenure by which he holds the property, to 
attend the church at stated periods, and to receive 
religious instruction. The Missionaries are too wise to 
expect that these people should instantaneously throw 
off their habits of indolence ; they are generally certain 
that these will disappear, as well as the sheep's skin and 
the kraal, with the moral darkness which the light of the 
gospel will dispel ; and leave them to experience gradu- 
ally the change of disposition and habits which is likely 



$08 MEMOIR 01* Chap. XVII. 

to result from the change in the mode of Hfe. Their 
education is powerfully advanced and accelerated by 
observation, which with all savages is very acute. Man 
is an imitative animal, and easily induced to follow 
that which he sees in the conduct of those whom he is 
led to respect or love. Here every effort is made to 
give the mind a right bias; and there is no doubt that 
the fervent humble prayer, which is daily offered up 
for them by these single hearted Moravians, is accepted, 
and brings down many a blessing upon the early con- 
vert, who as yet is only capable of seeing the source 
of his progress in second causes. Habits of industry 
thus acquired are likely to become fixed and progres- 
sive, and are associated with all the instruction they 
receive, as effects proceeding from one first cause, and 
that cause Christianity. 

" There is service in the church every evening, at 
which above 200 attend, but on the sabbath nearly 
1200 assemble. The whole number under the care of 
Moravians at this time was rather more than 1300. 
On Mondays and Fridays they were instructed in 
singing. The catechism was the course of instruction 
for the adults. A school room had been built for the 
daily instruction of the children. The girls are re- 
ceived into this school in the morning, and the boys in 
the evening ; they arc educated upon Dr. Bell's sys- 
tem, and many have made very considerable progress, 
reading the Bible in Dutch with great fluency. 

" The Missionaries arc naturally very anxious that 
the children tlius educated should settle amongst them, 
and see them go away with great reluctance. They 



CitAV. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 509 

however seldom migrate, but marry at an early age, 
and settle under the immediate protection of their kind 
friends. We visited several of the cottages, which 
would have been admired for their neatness and clean- 
liness in any part of England. 

" The Moravians receive all Hottentots from what- 
ever part of the colony they may come, but admit with 
some jealousy such as have been long inhabitants of 
Cape Town ; and this for a very obvious reason, as they 
have but too probably acquired habits of intemperance 
and profligacy, from which these were perhaps free in 
their savage state. 

" The Boors make great complaints against the 
Moravians for encouraging the Hottentots in their 
disinclination to work, and in the preference they give 
to remaining in wretchedness and want in the neigh- 
bourhood of Genadendahl, to what they consider more 
useful labour upon the farms of the colony. The 
charge of indolence made against the Hottentots while 
in the service of the Boor may be admitted to a certain 
degree ; but this must in a great measure be attributed 
to the treatment they receive from the Boor — where 
they are invariably overworked, wretchedly clad, and 
cruelly punished for the slightest offence, and even for 
no offence at all. This is a fearful weight in the scale, 
when the only counterpoise is a sufficiency of food. The 
wages rarely exceeded five rix dollars a month, and this 
payment was often withheld on the plea of a debt, for 
clothes, tobacco, or spirituous liquors ; by which means 
from utter inabihty to pay what is demanded, the poor 
Hottentot became to all intents and purposes a slave 



510 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIL 

for life ; but even should he by the utmost exertion and 
frugaHty, succeed in getting rid of this debt, he might 
be invoked in others, being accused of having lost an 
ox by carelessness, or by breaking a wagon by an 
accident over which he could have no control. Con- 
viction soon followed accusation at the field Cornet's 
tribunal, and unless rescued by remonstrances from 
influential persons, there was little hope of their ever 
obtaining freedom. Dr. Philip by his arduous ex- 
ertions, at length broke the neck of this most odious 
system of tyranny, and succeeded in placing the 
Hottentot in a situation nearer to that of the white 
colonist. But among the Boors of the Cape there are 
many who have dealt very differently with the Hotten- 
tot ; who have been just and humane towards them, 
and who in consequence have had occasion to speak of 
them in a very different manner. Instead of denoun- 
cing the whole race as indolent, dishonest, and treacher- 
ous, they have found them active, industrious, faithful, 
and attached in an extraordinary degree, not only to 
the master and his family, but to his interest, which 
they hazarded their lives in defence of ; as has been 
frequently evinced by the conduct of these people in 
defending their master's property or cattle from wild 
beasts, or from Kaffer invaders. In truth perhaps there 
is no description of person who has evinced more ardent 
gratitude and self-devotion than the Hottentot has 
done when under kind treatment ; there was also one 
trait of character in itself most honourable, which was 
so frequently manifested as to place them very high 
in moral eminence, find that was their determined 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 511 

adherence to truth. Colonel Graham, our companion 
on this occasion, assured me, that during the whole 
time he commanded the Hottentot corps, which was 
some years, he remembered very few instances in 
which these people had recourse to falsehood ; and 
that even in cases, when the offence from having been 
often repeated, must necessarily meet with punishment, 
it was confessed by the culprit with the same frankness 
as though it had been the first offence, and the con- 
fession pleaded in the hope of forgiveness. It is pain- 
ful to think how much of this native morality of char- 
acter has been lost, by communication with civilized 
Europeans. 

"I confidently believe, that were the Hottentot always 
treated with kindness and paid his just due, his labour 
would far exceed the work assigned him, and that he 
would be, when uncorrupted by bad example, a most 
valuable and attached servant. Of this there are 
many instances, not only in the memory, but in the 
actual experience of respectable persons at the Cape. 

" The Hottentots are in general remarkably intelli- 
gent, and are very quick sighted in discovering the 
track or footsteps of wild animals ; they will even trace 
the steps of man over wild and extensive heaths, so 
covered with a stunted vegetation as to leave no 
apparent traces. Their vision is also particularly 
correct and clear. These last mentioned faculties seem 
to be possessed in a high degree by all savages, a 
circumstance easily accounted for by the supposition 
that their faculties are sharpened by the necessity 
of exerting them to the utmost, in the absence of 



512 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

those aids, which invention in civiHzed states has 
rendered so universal, and so indispensable. 

" A Hottentot delights in the chase, a pursuit he was 
born to ; and he is admirably adapted to it from his 
almost intuitive knowledge of the haunts and habits of 
wild animals, to whom he is a most formidable enemy. 

" We have already adverted to the corps formed 
entirely of Hottentots, and in justice to them we should 
give the opinion formed of these people by General Sir 
James Craig, by whom they were embodied. It has 
already been given in the excellent and accurate work 
of ]\Ir. now Sir John Barrow, but it should, whenever the 
Hottentot character is brought before the public, be re- 
ferred to. ' Never were people more contented, or more 
grateful, for the treatment they now receive. We have 
upwards of three hundred, who have been with us nearly 
nine months. It is therefore with the opportunity of 
knowing them well that I venture to pronounce them 
an intelligent race of men. All who bear arms exercise 
well, and understand immediately and perfectly what- 
ever they are taught to perform. Many of them speak 
English tolerably well. We were told that so great 
was their propensity to drunkenness, we should never 
be able to reduce them to order or discipline ; and that 
the habit of roving was so rooted in their disposition, we 
must expect the whole corps would desert the moment 
they had received their clothing. With respect to the 
first, I do not find they are more given to the vice of 
drinking than our own people; and as to their pre- 
tended propensity to roving, that charge is fully con- 
futed by the circumstance of only one man having left 



Chap. XVII. Sill JAHLEEL BRENTON. 513 

US, since I first adopted the measure of assembling 
tliem, and he was urged to this step by having lost his 
firelock. Of all the qualities that can be ascribed to a 
Hottentot, it will be little expected that I should expa- 
tiate upon their cleanliness, and yet it is certain, that 
at this moment our Hottentot parade would not suffer 
in comparison with that of some of our regular regi- 
ments. The clothing perhaps may have suff"ered more 
than it ought to have done, in the time since it was 
issued to them, from their ignorance of the means of 
preserving it ; but those articles which are capable of 
being kept clean by washing, together with their arms 
and accoutrements, which they have been taught to keep 
bright, are always in good order. They are now like- 
wise cleanly in their persons ; the practice of smearing 
themselves with grease being entirely left off". I have 
frequently seen them washing themselves in a rivulet 
when they could have in view no other object but clean- 
liness.'"'' 

" The Missionaries having received many who had 
belonged to the corps, are very rigid in prohibiting the 
use of fire arms amongst the people, lest they should 
be led away from the habits of industry they are anxious 
to bring them to, by their pursuit of game. 

"Besides the schools there are two workshops in 
which the young Hottentots learn the useful craft of 
the blacksmith, and the carpenter. The work done here 
is highly creditable to them, and were there a great de- 
mand for their labour, they would soon equal the 

* General Sir James Craig's observation on Hottentots, extracted from 
Barrow's Travels in South Africa, vol. I. p. 372. 

2 L 



514 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

European artificers. Chairs, tables, bureaus, and other 
cabinet work, as well as cutlery of every common de- 
scription is the produce of these workshops. They also 
build excellent wagons, and are accounted capital 
wheelwrights. The smith's house (a Hottentot) was 
in remarkable good order. They have also among 
them many respectable masons and thatchers. Their 
houses produce a very picturesque effect, as seen 
under the mountains, neatly white-washed. The white- 
wash is made by pouring boiling water upon bran, and 
then letting it run off upon lime. 

" A very considerable business is carried on by the 
Missionaries, in the produce of their handicrafts, by 
trafiicking with the interior. All implements for farm 
purposes are supplied by them of a good quality, and 
moderate prices ; and the Boors of Graaf Reynet deal 
largely in the purchase of these articles in exchange 
for cattle. 

"The produce of the girl's workroom is too well known 
and estimated in Europe to require any account of it ; 
but the neat, cleanly, and cheerful appearance of the 
young female Hottentots assembled is very striking to 
the strangers who visit the establishment, and offers a 
very convincing proof of the success of the Moravians 
in this most benevolent undertaking. 

" The Hottentots express themselves surprisingly well 
upon the subject of religion, and are evidently capable 
of much serious reflection ; this the Missionaries con- 
firmed by quoting many instances. 

" 'I'lic holy sacrament is administered every month; 
tlici'C were generally about 400 communicants, and an 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTOIs^ 515 

individual examination takes place previously to their 
receiving it. The females are all dressed in white 
when they approach the holy table. If any of the 
Hottentots are known to have quarrelled, they are not 
permitted to communicate until they are reconciled to 
each other ; or rather they are enjoined to stay away, 
which in general produces the same effect. 

" It is not to be expected that these people should be 
without their share of vices, which are so common 
among all commmiities of their fellow creatures, and 
amongst others that of drunkenness has been especially 
charged against them, but perhaps unjustly ; for what 
Sir James Craig says of them as a military corps, 
may be urged in their favour in every other situation 
of life in which they are found, that they are not more 
given to drinking than Europeans. They are in addi- 
tion surrounded by temptations, as the Boors in the 
neighbourhood are always pressing upon them wine 
and brandy of a most wretched description, in payment 
for any service they may render them ; or if by sale, at 
a very low price. The Hottentots have also a great 
temptation from the abundance of a plant called the 
Daka, or wild hemp, which they smoke, and which has 
as intoxicating an effect as ardent spirits, and may even 
be considered as having more deleterious effects. 

" The Moravians are not only anxious to avoid the 
exercise of any coercion or restraint over these Hotten- 
tots, but to remove all suspicion from the minds of the 
Boors that the establishment derives any interest or 
advantage from their labour. For this reason, they 
are particularly careful never to employ them, without 



516 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

coming to an immediate settlement, as soon as the work 
is performed ; and they make it a rule, never to accept 
any presents from them, however disposed from grati- 
tude these people might be to offer them. 

" A stream winds its way through the valley in 
which the settlement is situated, and the Hottentots 
having built their houses on the higher part of the 
ground allotted them, carried their gardens to the banks 
with the view of facilitating the watering of them ; but 
two years before our visit, a torrent from the neighbour- 
ing mountains swept away the greater part of the gar- 
dens, and their labours have since been confined to the 
more elevated parts of these grounds. 

" The Missionaries have tried the cultivation of flax 
in Genadendahl, but without success. They were in 
hopes to have produced the material for an useful em- 
ployment to the Hottentots, and there is no good reason 
assigned for the failure. As the Commissioner T was 
so convinced of the advantage which might be de- 
rived to the Naval department from the growth of 
hemp, that I twice imported seed from England in the 
hope of establishing its culture ; but in both instances 
the seed never germinated, which 1 attributed to the 
vital principle having been destroyed in the heated hold 
of the vessel in which it was brought out ; and before 
1 could make a third effort, the establishment was 
broken up. It is very probable that further endeavours 
may have been subsequently made, and it is to be hoped 
that they have been more fortunate. 

" On the 29 til of November we continued our journey 
to the Moful Bay, the road lay through a country wild 



Chap. XYir. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 517 

and broken, but highly picturesque ; the Swartberg and 
Hottentots Kloof on the left, and the valleys inter- 
spersed with numerous patches of fertile corn ground. 
We had to cross the river Sender End (without 
end) twice in the course of the day, but this is attended 
with no difficulty in the summer season. In the 
winter it is generally a furious torrent, and oppor- 
tunities must be diligently sought, and readily made 
use of for getting over it. This river Sender End 
terminates among the sand-hills, through which it 
discharges itself into the sea. 

" We arrived at six in the evening at the beautiful 

farm of Mr. in the Soctindals valley, and we 

were most hospitably received by that gentleman, who 
is highly respected throughout every part of the colony. 
He has brought up a large family, and his children 
are now settled round him, not only in comfort, but 
in opulence, promising him a happy old age. His 
house, which was originally a hospital, is still called 
Sicken Huis, and stands on the right bank of the 
Sender End river, 

" It is generally observed that hospitality is the 
virtue most practised in the earliest stage of society, 
and that it declines as the conveniences of life multiply, 
and accommodations are provided for travellers on the 
road, by persons who look to them as the means of 
acquiring property. This is undoubtedly true, but it 
appears in the colony to have out-lived its term, and 
to continue to flourish w^here the absolute necessity for 
it has passed away ; for such are the arrangements 
made for travelling by means of tents and beds fitted 



MEMOIR OF 



to wagons, and the custom of making a bivouac on the 
open heath, that no person undertakes a journey with- 
out the means of being independent in the course of it ; 
and should there be an invincible repugnance to pas- 
sing the night without the shelter of a roof, and a sure 
defence against wild beasts, there are farm houses of 
an inferior description, where admittance might be 
obtained on the payment of a small sum. It is true 
there are not many of them, for the principle of hospi- 
tality descends to the lowest class of farmers. Ar- 
rangements however may be made of this description, 
so as to prevent the necessity of intruding upon the 
domestic privacy of respectable famihes. Notwith- 
standing this, the master of the house near which 
respectable travellers should find themselves, expects 
that they would unhesitatingly come to him ; and on 
their doing so, evinces the utmost readiness to accom- 
modate them. Every effort is made by the whole 
family to shew that their hospitality comes from the 
heart ; and the traveller, his servants, and his horses, 
are liberally provided for. No matter at what hour he 
arrives, a sumptuous, or at least an abundant repast is 
prepared for him, with the best of everything the 
house affords, and the best bed-room for his accommo- 
dation. At whatever hour the traveller proposes to 
continue his journey, he is sure to find his horses and 
his breakfast ready for him, with warm demonstrations 
of friendship and invitations to come again, should he 
retiu-n by the same road. This was the reception and 
hospitality that we met with, not only from Mr. 
, but in almost every part of the country ; not 



Chap. XVir. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 519 

always upon the scale of comfort which we exper- 
ienced here, but with the warmest welcome according 
to the means possessed of offering it. 

" On the 29th we continued our route, and as the day's 
journey was to be a very long one, Mr. kindly sup- 
plied us with a span of oxen to take the wagon as far 
as the Zout kraal, by which our horses were greatly 
spared. We arrived about two o'clock on the banks of 
the Salt lake, and dined on its banks. The water in 
this lake is too salt for use ; and that which we pro- 
cured from an adjacent farm was so brackish as to be 
scarcely drinkable ; but this quality in water is by no 
means objectionable to those who are accustomed to it ; 
on the contrary, persons visiting Cape Town from these 
districts have been known to put salt to the water to 
render it palatable before they could drink it. 

"We traversed extensive plains this day, and saw 
abundance of game, consisting of stein bocks, riebocks, 
partridges, pavus, koar hens, &c. the two last a species 
of the bustard, and very good eating, resembling the 
Turkey in size, but of a fine wild flavour. We 
arrived in the evening at the extensive farm of Mr. 
Odendals, a most respectable and hospitable gen- 
tleman, whose estate lies on the western side of the 
Potteberg, a minor range of hills diverging from the 
Swartberg, and terminating near the S.E. coast. 

" We w^ere here received with the utmost hospitality, 
and every provision made for our comfort, not only for 
the night, but for the day and night following, as the 
day of our arrival was Saturday. We were dehghted 
with the manner in which the family passed the sab- 



520 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

bath, no church being within many miles of them. 
Mr. Odendals read the service to his household in the 
great hall, which appeared to be the constant practice. 
He had five children who bid fair to be a comfort to 
him. 

" The farm was a very extensive and most produc- 
tive one, and had it been cultivated to its full extent,, 
would have yielded a very large supply of grain for the 
colonial market ; but the want of vent for the produce 
prevented this being done. The distance from the 
farm to Cape Town required four days to perform it,, 
and a wagon with two men, or a man and a boy, with 
sixteen oxen, could only take one load of corn, which 
taking the average prices of grain whilst I was re- 
siding at the Cape, may be taken at about sixty 
rix dollars, or £6 sterling, by far too small a sum to 
remunerate the farmer for his seed^ his labour, the rent 
of his land, and the absence of his people, oxen and 
wagon nine days, independent of the probable loss of 
one or more oxen on the road, and the wear and tear 
of the wagon. It is true they brought back from Cape 
Town the articles of European produce required for the 
consumption of the family, but this was to a very small 
amount. 

" What renders this want of a market more sur- 
prising is, that on the other side of the Pottebcrg, at a 
distance of only a few hours from this farm, was a 
river, with a safe port at its entrance, into which 
vessels of from 70 to 100 tons might enter with safety, 
and receive cargoes of grain, or other rural produce, 
lying in perfect security during the wliole of the sum- 



Chap XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 521 

mer, and within two days' sail of Simon's Bay or Table 
Bay. Had a coasting trade existed, and a magazine 
been erected at the mouth of the Bride River, this 
district might have furnished a very large supply of 
grain ; and had similar measures been adopted in other 
parts of the colony where the same advantages existed, 
not only would this valuable possession of Great Britain 
have abounded with corn for its own consumption, but 
it might have had a valuable article of export even to 
the mother country. It is to be hoped that British 
enterprize may before this time have laid the founda- 
tion of a very extensive coasting trade, which shall at 
once be the means of bringing into cultivation much 
valuable land now entirely neglected ; whilst it sup- 
plies the interior of the colony with every article of 
European manufacture, of which it stands in need, at 
a moderate price. It may not be amiss to give here, 
by anticipation, a calculation which I made some weeks 
afterwards at George, when conversing with the lead- 
ing inhabitants upon the subject of a coasting trade 
as indispensable to the prosperity of this new town. 

" A merchant of George is supposed to order a ton 
of goods, either Manchester, or Birmingham, or Shef- 
field, (as it may be) from England, for the purpose of 
supplying the wants of his neighbourhood. These 
goods are accordingly shipped to his consignment in 
London, and arrive at the Cape in the course of ten or 
twelve weeks afterwards, paying a freight to the Cape 
of £1 10s. per ton. These goods have now to be 
carried by land to the town of George, a distance of 
scarcely two hundred miles from Cape Town, and for 



522 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIT. 

the freight for this distance, not less than the sum of 
£9 sterKng must be paid, and enormous as this sum 
must appear, it cannot be done for less, as the follow- 
ing calculation will shew. 

" To bring one ton of goods from Cape Town to 
George would require one man, one boj, one wagon, 
and sixteen oxen, and the freight charged by the far- 
mer, is five rix dollars per cwt., or one hundred rix 
dollars for the ton. 

" A whole month is required for the journey, in- 
cluding the days of departure and arrival, and one day 
loading the wagon, in Cape Town, at little more than 
three rix dollars per day. 

" But under the supposition that he might carry a 
load of the produce of his farm, say corn to Cape 
Town, the highest price of which in the market would 
be one hundred rix dollars, he could only estimate the 
freight at ten rix dollars at the utmost, making one 
hundred and ten rix dollars for freight going and 
returning. 

" The least which can be set off against this profit 
would be — 

R. d. 

The wages of tlie man and boy during the month 20 

The repairs of the wagon after the journey 20 

The loss of one ox — but this is a very low average^ as 

they frequently lose many 30 

70 
'^eaving a balance to the farmer, without any mention 

being made for the loss of the labour of his oxen on 

the farm 30 

100 

or about 2s. sterhng per day. 



Chap. XVII. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 523 

" Mr. Odendals assured me that he could afford to 
dehyer 7000 muids of grain to a vessel at the mouth 
of the Bride River, at thirty rix dollars per load under 
the current price in Cape Town ; and that were the 
means of exportation furnished to him by the river, 
the quantity of grain might be increased to a very 
great amount. Here would be a freight for a schooner, 
a small vessel of seventy tons, of £210 sterling, to be 
divided as profit between the merchant and the owner 
of the vessel, for a voyage that might be performed in 
a week, but which upon a fair average of winter and 
summer, might be certainly done eight times in the 
year ; but in all probability twice that number of 
voyages might be performed. In addition to this 
freight, another sum might be added for that of 
European manufactures carried back, in exchange for 
the corn, and nearly equal in amount to the former. 
Iron, cutlery of all sorts, agricultural tools, brandy, 
tea, coffee, sugar, &c. &c. are in great demand in the 
interior, and having to pay the heavy land carriage 
already mentioned, reach the inland consumer at an 
enormous price. 

" Mr. Odendals appeared to be very happy in his 
family, and much respected and beloved by his slaves. 
A very pleasing practice was observed in his house, 
which was, that of all the servants, slaves as well as 
others, coming in, in succession in the morning, to wish 
their master a good day. This was considered as a 
family muster. 

" The garden here would probably have been very 
productive, had it been more sheltered from tlie S. E. 



524 MEMOIR OE Chap. XVII. 

winds, which might easily have been done, many shrubs 
such as the Rhinoceros bush, and many Proteas, braving 
its violence ; under the lee of which the stunted oak, such 
as many of the vineyards in the Cape district are shel- 
tered by, might be made to grow. The water is gene- 
rally brackish through the extensive plains at the foot 
of the Potteberg ; a quahty for which it is not disrelished 
by the inhabitants, however objectionable to strangers. 
A beautiful specimen of the wild Jessamine was seen 
here, armed with thorns as sharp as those of the Mi- 
mosa. 

" The roads in the neighbourhood are generally good, 
that from Sickenhuis to this place was excellent, running 
over level ironstone ; and but for the ravines by which 
it was so frequently intercepted, might have been tra- 
velled upon at as great a rate as the best roads in Eng- 
land ; and being formed on a hard surface, never wanted 
repair, in fact the only labour required in making them 
was to clear away the heath. 

" On Monday, Dec. 1st, it rained too hard during 
the early part of the day for our party to begin their 
journey ; but in the afternoon the weather clearing, 
our kind host insisted upon driving us in his wagon to 
Cape Lagullos. The road lay over a very extensive 
plain, capable of being made very productive in corn. 
In the neighbourhood of the Recty Lake the ground is 
so frequently flooded, that it produces only a rank 
coarse grass. There are many pools in the course of 
the Kleinc River, called by the inhabitants " Sea cow 
holes," from tlic resemblance to the haunts of these 
animals in the eastern parts of the colony, and proba- 



Chap. XYU. Sill JAIILEEL BRENTON. 525 

blj from their having been found here in the earlier 
part of the settlement ; tradition being very common 
here of the country having been infested with all de- 
scriptions of wild animals, and particularly lions and 
bufFalos, which are now rarely seen to the westward 
of the Gauritz River. 

" From the Recty Lake a quantity of salt is collected 
ever}^ year, as much as 3000 muids. The plain for- 
merly afforded excellent pasturage for horses, but the 
grass having become coarse, and rank, the value of the 
property has much diminished. The Boors on the 
small farms which are dispersed about this extensive 
tract of land, are of an athletic make, but of most 
indolent habits, as is evident from the wretched appear- 
ance of their farms and all around them. Their chief 
occupation is hunting, and here, and here only, their 
energies seem to be aroused ; but the neglect of their 
farms has already been accounted for, in the want of a 
market for their produce. A little corn is sufficient for 
the consumption of their famiUes, and as they have 
abundance of sheep, and plenty of game at hand, they 
want but little besides clothing and brandy, which they 
procure from Cape Town in exchange for what they 
send thither. 

" On the evening of this day we reached Recty, a 
small horse farm, situated on the eastern side of a Lake, 
about seven miles from Cape Lagullos, a wretched hovel 
in a most dilapidated state, and bearing evident marks 
of the absence of its master. From the failure of the 
grass already alluded to, but few horses are used here. 
We passed the night with as much comfort as the 



526 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

means offered us would admit of ; but to travellers of 
cheerful disposition, good health and appetite, with 
wagons so provided, as to set scarcity at defiance, we 
did not suffer much ; there was during the night a 
severe storm of thunder and lightning. 

'' On the following day we set out for Cape Lagullos, 
but found the Boor who conducted us, entirely mis- 
taken as to the point they called the Cape ; upon 
reaching it, another was seen bearing S.W. by W. from 
it, consequently further to the southward ; and having 
got to this point, another appeared, at the distance of 
five or six miles, bearing W.S.W., which was probably 
the real Cape. The wrecks of many vessels were 
lying on the part of the shore we visited, which had 
been lost in the course of the preceding thirty years. 
One of the ships lost here a few years before, had a 
cargo of slaves, who having gained their liberty, march- 
ed up the country in a body, but they were too danger- 
ous at liberty, and too useful in bondage, to be allowed 
to enjoy their freedom any length of time. An old 
woman then living in the house now occupied by Mr. 
Odendal's, took great credit to herself, for having 
defended it against these invaders, and for being the 
cause of their being finally secured. 

" At four p.m. on the 2nd, we continued our journey, 
crossing the Carse River, on our way to Morkels, 
a farm on the River, called a horse farm : there is 
another near it, but both evincing at this period a want 
of capital. Morkels is a valuable property, a good 
dwclHng house, spacious out-buildings, capacious stables 
and barns, but in a rnino\is state for want of repair, the 



Chap. XVJI. Sill JAHLEEL BRENTON. 527 

water here is excessively brackish, so much so, as to be 
scarcely drinkable to an European. 

" We met here at dinner with young Schwartz, the 
person who first discovered the wreck of the unfor- 
tunate Arniston, a large East Indiaman, which was 
lost upon Cape LaguUos in June, 1815. He gave us 
a very interesting and most affecting account of the 
awful scene, which came suddenly before him as he rode 
down to the beach. The shore was covered with wreck 
of every description, masts, sails, timber, and planks, 
hove high upon the beach, which was strewed with dead 
bodies. The fatal event had taken place some days, as 
he learnt from the survivors. Six men whom he found 
in a small cavern on the coast, impressed with the idea 
that the ship had passed the Cape of Good Hope, and 
that she had been wrecked to the westward of it, had 
walked along the beach for two days, expecting every 
moment to see the Table Mountain, but at the end of 
that time were stopped by the Bride River, which con- 
vinced them of their error, and they had to retrace 
their steps to the wreck, which they reached at the end 
of the fourth day, worne out with fatigue and hunger, 
having only subsisted upon the shell fish they found on 
the coast. Their first object was to bury as many of 
of their dead as they could, during the two days previ- 
ously to their being discovered by Mr. Schwartz ; they 
pointed out to him particularly the spot in which they 
had laid the four children of Colonel Giels, of the 72nd 
Regiment, who had been sent home as passengers in 
the Arniston, under the care of Lord and Lady Moles- 
worth, who also perished in her. These poor fellows 



528 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

had evidently taken a very deep interest in the fate 
of these children, as it was the only grave which they 
distinctly marked. They had of course procured some 
salt provisions from the wreck, which had been washed 
ashore, but ever}^ thing else was spoiled by the salt 
water. They were also enabled to clothe themselves 
from the raiment of their unfortunate shipmates. They 
were afterwards most hospitably and kindly treated by 
the farmer, and having been sent to the nearest Magis- 
trate, gave the deposition of which the following is a 
copy, and which was forwarded to the Commissioner of 
His Majesty's Dock Yard, a few days afterwards. 

" ' A nprrative from the surviving crew, relating to the loss of the 
Arniston, Transport, wrecked near Cape Lagullos, on the evening 
of the 30th of May, 1815. 

" ' Charles Stewart Scott, late carpenter's mate of the 
Arniston, Transport, and others, assert to the best of 
their knowledge, that she sailed from Point de Galle on 
or about the 4th of April, under convoy of H.M.S. 
Africaine, and the Victor Brig, with six Indiamen. 
About the 26th of May parted company from the con- 
voy, owing to stress of weather, having blown away 
most of her sails ; other sails were then bent, but the 
weather continued very squally, with a heavy sea. On 
the 29th, about seven a.m. the land was discovered right 
ahead, bearing about N. by W. a long distance off, the 
wind then S.S.E. about half-past four p.m. still blowing 
very strong, hauled to the wind on the larboard tack, 
under a close reefed maintopsail, and stood on till half- 
past two a.m. on the 30th; then supposing the land 
seen was near T'able bay, the hands were turned up, 



I 



Chap. XTII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 529 

bore up steering N.W. and set the foresail, intending to 
rim for St. Helena; continued on till 10 a.m. when the 
land was again discovered nearly ahead, turned the 
hands up, and hauled the ship close to the wind on the 
larboard tack, still blowing very hard, made all sail, 
having topsails and courses set, stood on till near noon, 
when breakers were discovered on the lee-bow, wore 
ship and hauled to the wind on the other tack ; stood on 
tiU 2 p.m. then wore, and hauled to the wind on the 
larboard tack, continuing on till near 4 o'clock, when 
breakers were seen, called LaguUos Reef, which we could 
not weather on either tack, being completely embayed ; 
clewed up the sails and cut away three anchors, the two 
bower cables parted shortly after, when Lieutenant 
Brice, agent for transports, recommended the captain to 
cut the sheet cable, and run the ship on shore, as the 
only chance of saving the people's lives. The cable was 
then cut, and the ship put before the wind, in about 
eight minutes after she struck forward, the ship heeling 
to windward ; cut away the guns in order to heel her 
the other way, but which could not be effected, and 
she soon began to break up. About eight o'clock the 
masts went, and the ship in a very short time was quite 
in pieces ; many people were drowned below in conse- 
quence of her heeling to windward, and others clung to 
the wreck, endeavouring to reach the shore about half a 
mile distant. Out of the whole crew, consisting of near 
350 persons, only six men reached the shore with great 
difficulty upon planks, being much bruised by the wreck 
and surf, which was very high. At daylight the next 
morning the stern post was the only part of the ship to 

2 M 



530 MEMOIR or Chap. XYII. 

be seen, the beach was covered with wreck, stores, &c. 
and a number of dead bodies, which were buried by the 
survivors. Amongst these were Lord and Lady Moles- 
worth, the agent, the captain, and some children. On 
the next day, the 1st of June, considering ourselves to 
the westward of Cape Point, it was agreed to coast the 
beach to the eastward, which we continued to do for 
four days and a half, subsisting on shell fish from off the 
rocks, but fearing we had taken a wrong direction, we 
returned to the wreck, and accomplished it in three 
days and a half, where we remained six days subsisting 
chiefly on a cask of oatmeal, which had been driven on 
shore ; by drying it in the sun, we experienced great 
relief. The pinnace having been driven on shore bilged, 
we proposed to repair it in the best manner circumstan- 
ces would allow, and coast along shore. At that time, 
the 14th of June, being at work on the boat, we were 
fortunately discovered by a farmer's son, John Schwartz, 
who was out shooting, and humanely carried by him to 
his father's house, where we remained with every com- 
fort he could afford us for a week, and then set off for 
Cape town, where we arrived on Monday evening, the 
26th of June. 

" Before we left the country we were informed that 
three hundred and thirty-one bodies thrown on shore, 
had been interred near the beach. 

" Signed, 

" CHARLES STEWART SCOTT, and party." 

" 'I'll is declaration was made before me this day at 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 531 

Cape Town, the 27tli day of June, 1815, of which this 
is a copy. 

J. IMERES, 

" Lieutenant R.N. Resident Agent for Transports." 



A List of Officers and Passengers, as far as can he collected from the 
survlvorsy who perished on hoard the Arniston Transport, the SOth 
of May, 1815. 

Lieutenant Brice, R.N. Agent. 
Captain George Simpson. 
1st Mate, Thomas Hall. 
2nd Mate, William Young. 
3rd Mate, William Gibbs. 

4th Mate, Robinson. 

Doctor, Gunter. 

Boatswain, John Barrett. 
Carpenter, John Finley. 
Gunner, Thomas Gowan. 

Survivors. 

Charles Stewart Scott, (Captain's Mate). 

Philip Shea, "^ 

Wm. Drummond, j 

Wm. Fisli, y Seamen. 

Thos. Mansfield, 

John Lewis, 

Passengers. 

Lord and Lady Molesworth, with a boy aged 7 years old under their care. 

Four children— boys belonging to an officer of the 73 Regt. at Columbo. 

Captain Stoddart, (^Royal Scots). 

Mrs. James, with two children, belonging to Point de Galle. 

Mrs. Taylor, Officer's Widow. 

Miss Twisleton, daughter of the Clergyman at Columbo. 

Mr. Gordon, Commissary, and son, about five years old. 

Lieutenant Callender, 19th Regiment. 



532 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

Invalids from the 19th, 22nd, 56th, 69th, 84th, and Royal Scots Regi. 
ments; and near 100 seamen from the different men of war in India, 
with 14 women, including passengers, and 25 children, in the whole 
about 350 people. 

N.B. Captain Whyms of the army died on board six weeks after 
leaving Ceylon. 

" On the morning of the 3rd December, anxious to 
visit the spot become so deeply interesting, from the 
preceding melancholy history, our party proceeded to 
the place, and arrived there at half-past nine, a.m. It 
was indeed an awful scene, although much of the 
horror had been removed by the burial of the dead. 
Every object was calculated to throw a deep and 
solemn gloom over the mind. The wreck of the ship 
\sCy scattered in great fragments in every direction on 
the beach, and the remains of the unhappy sufferers 
were indicated by pieces of plank and timber, which 
had been placed in an upright position over them ; 
350 bodies had been washed on shore. 

" It may be easier to conceive than to describe the 
feelings excited in our minds at the awful scene which 
here presented itself The coast and surrounding 
country was desolate in the extreme. The day being 
cloudy, not a sunbeam gleamed over it ; there was 
little wind, and the surf , rolled sullenly along the shore, 
with a hollow and lugubrious roar, whilst every object 
told the tale of woe. A monument had been raised by 
the direction of Colonel Giels over the grave where his 
children were deposited, by an artificer sent from Cape 
Town ; its briglit white appearance contrasted with 
the dark clouds, and the still darker tablet on 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 533 

which the fatal event was recorded, produced an in- 
describable effect upon the eye, unprepared for such an 
object. 

" Having remained some time meditating upon this 
mournful scene, our party pursued their journey over a 
wide sandy plain towards the Hope, an Estate belong- 
ing to Mr. Lawrence Cloete, and appropriated to the 
breeding of sheep. In crossing these plains, and far 
distant from the coast, even many miles, we observed 
pieces of the wreck of the Arniston, which had been 
evidently dropped from wagons employed in carrying 
away timber from the beach, and it did at the moment 
occur to me, that the notions respecting the re- 
ceding of the ocean which has occupied so many 
pens, and so many pages, and concerning which 
so much has been written in reference to this part of 
the world in particular, might have been accounted for 
by the object before us. Had a strong S.E. wind 
taken place subsequent to these remarkable pieces being 
dropped from the wagons, (they were shot-racks), 
they would have been forthwith covered deep in sand ; 
and had they been found a century afterwards they 
would have excited the same suggestion, that the sea 
had formerly covered this place also. 

" From an attentive observation of every part of 
the coast of this colony, I am much more inclined to 
adopt Sir John Barrow's theory of the sea gaining, rather 
than of its receding ; and the observations he makes 
upon the subject, (vol. i. p. 6,) appear very satisfactory ; 
but I felt at the same time convinced, that the Cape 



534 * MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII, 

flat, now an immense sandy plain, covered with shrubs 
and heath was, perhaps ever since the commencement 
of the Christian era, a channel between the Table 
mountain, then an Island, and the main land. Sir 
John Barrow grounds his opinion upon the effects 
produced by the accumulation of sand, during the 
period of nearly seven years that he was in the 
country, of which some very striking instances will be 
given in the course of this narrative. But lest the 
assertion may appear a startling one, it may be as well 
even in this place to shew on what grounds he founded 
the supposition. 

" It is well known that the S.E. winds blow during 
a great part of the year, and sometimes with great 
violence for many days together. A heavy sea con- 
sequently rolls in upon every part of the southern 
coast, bringing with it an immense quantity of sand, 
which may have been forming a ridge of considerable 
elevation above high water mark. As the tide recedes, 
the sand dries, and is taken up by the wind, and 
carried in a continued and dense stream into the 
interior, where it is deposited among the shrubs, and 
soon covers them. A reference to those who have 
land near the coast, and even at some miles distant 
from it, will give a melancholy confirmation of this fact, 
and shew that much of their land has been entirely 
ruined by the accumulation of sand. During the 
winter months when the N.W. winds prevail they are 
in general accompanied by rain, and the sand when 
wet is not liable to be taken up by the wind and 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 535 

carried back again : and this shews how the sand hills 
accumulate, and how soon not only shrubs, but trees 
may be overwhelmed with sand. 

" Our party arrived at the Hope in the afternoon 
of the 3rd. The house is small but very commodious, 
and fitted up with every attention to comfort and even 
luxury. It is situated on the eastern bank of an 
extensive salt lake, into which the little salt river 
carries its waters ; there is no visible outlet, but they 
doubtless pass through the surrounding sands. 

" Great quantities of game abound in this neighbour- 
hood, and several ostriches were seen in the day's 
journey, rising from the heath on the approach of the 
wagons, and striding towards the interior with most 
extraordinary velocity. 

" Immense quantities of corn were once grown in this 
neighbourhood, but a decided and very reasonable 
preference was given by our host to sheep and horses. 
Of the former he has a very large flock, with a valuable 
collection of merinos. It is considered that the wool 
of the fourth cross is nearly equal to the Spanish 
original. It is surprising, considering the number of 
hyenas and wolves, with which this part of the colony 
abounds, that so little injury is experienced in the 
sheep-folds, but the hyena and the wolf seldom attack 
cattle or sheep in an enclosure, however simple and 
defenceless it may be. 

" There are no trees near the house, but several 
beautifully wooded glens or ravines running down to 
the lake. 

" On the 5th December, at six, a.m. we left the Hope 



536 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

having been furnished with a span of oxen to ascend 
the Potteberg, a steep and rugged road, but one which 
might with care be greatly improved. From the sum- 
mit of the hill we had a splendid view of the Sout 
valley, and the adjacent plains, with an extensive line 
of sea coast, terminating at Cape Lagullos to the S. W. 
The country although wild and uncultivated, was pic- 
turesque, and much enlivened, by the profusion and 
variety of the shrubs and heaths with which it was 
covered in all the brilliancy of flower. Many Pie- 
bocks were seen on ascending the Potteberg, and 
some Partridges. We stopped in the course of the 
morning at the house of the field Cornet ; it lies in the 
descent of the Potteberg, and he is a most respectable 
man, with a large family, cultivating an extensive corn 
farm. He was suffering severely from a whitloe, which 
had begun on the finger, but its effects threatened the 
loss of his arm. The greatest inconvenience exper- 
ienced by the colonists in the interior is the want of 
surgical assistance ; though they are sufficiently well 
instructed in medical remedies, to apply them with 
tolerable success. 

" After some repose at this place, we proceeded on our 
way to the Bride River, but having mistaken the road 
we had a long and very fatiguing journey, and having 
reached a part of the river where no means existed for 
crossing, we had to retrace our steps nearly half way 
over a hilly rugged road, and did not arrive at the 
ferry at Guillcnpuis until nearly sunset. The country 
we had passed through this day was of an extraordi- 
nary description. The prospect before us as we left the 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 537 

Potteberg was that of a gently undulating surfa-ce, 
covered with a great variety of shrubs and aloes ; but 
as we proceeded we found it frequently intersected by 
deep and precipitous ravines, and which could only be 
passed by means of very winding roads down the steep 
slaty sides. The ascent from these occasioned great 
labour to the cattle. The Bride River as seen from 
the heights on its right bank had a most picturesque 
appearance from its windings, making a distance be- 
tween two places along its banks of two hours, when a 
straight road between them, had such existed, would 
not have required more than half an hour. Corn 
might be grown to an immense amount near this river, 
as was evident by what was seen growing on the few 
spots which were cultivated, but the population is very 
scanty, and labour very difficult to procure. It was 
said that black cattle would thrive greatly on these 
plains, but that there was something in the pasturage 
generally destructive to sheep, of which the inhabitants 
complained of having lost great numbers, and no longer 
ventured to keep more than they required for their 
immediate consumption. 

" As it was too late to get the wagons over that 
evening, which requires a tedious process, they were 
unloaded and the baggage taken over in a small boat, 
which landed us at a small but commodious farm house 
on the opposite bank, where we received a most hos- 
pitable welcome ; and the initiates, though very limited 
in their circumstances, made every effort to accommo- 
date us, giving up the best part of the house to our use, 



538 MEMOIR OF Chap. XYII. 

and supplying us with fish, fowls, and fresh eggs, for 
which they positively refused to receive payment. 

" The small boat, not more than twelve feet in length, 
returned for the horses, which swam over, having their 
heads tied up to the gunwale of the boat, two at each 
side. It consequently required three trips to get over 
the eight wagon and four saddle horses. Much diffi- 
culty was experienced, and time lost in getting them 
all to take the water. Some of them having been 
accustomed to it, took their stations on each side of 
the boat at once, whilst others could scarcely be brought 
to the water's edge ; but example here, as in most other 
cases, had at length its influence, they reached the other 
side in safety and ease, and were comfortably accommo- 
dated in the farm stables. At daylight in the morning 
we rose, in order to see the process of getting the 
wagon over. The river at this place might be about 
one hundred and fifty yards across, and perhaps two 
fathoms deep, the depth however was of no conse- 
quence. A large empty leaguer well bunged up, 
was placed in the wagon, and lashed to the frame- 
work at the bottom, a line was then brought from the 
opposite shore, and made fast to it, it was then pushed 
into the water, and hauled over to the other side with- 
out any difficulty, by two or three men ; when a pair of 
horses were ready to receive it, and draw it out of 
the stream. 

" The J^ride River is navigable from this place to its 
moutl), for vessels of tliirty or forty tons. The face of 
llic country to tlio eastward, is wild and precipitous to 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 539 

a degree surpassing what we have hitherto seen ; so 
much so as to wear the appearance of having been con- 
vulsed by earthquake. It is at the same time very fertile, 
even to the summit of the hills, being covered with 
corn wherever the cultivator thought proper to sow it. 

" The scenery amidst the windings of the Bride 
River was most strikingly picturesque ; the various tints 
which the mimosa, the aloe, the milkwood, and the 
protea, gave to the landscape, produced a very splendid 
effect. 

"At eleven, on the 8th December, we arrived at 
Rhinoster Fonteyne, a grazing and breeding farm (for 
horses) on the banks of the Bride River, near its 
mouth. The view to the westward was superb. We 
rode down to the entrance of the river, and found a 
capacious harbour for small craft, formed by a spit of 
sand running out from the eastern shore. The harbour 
here formed is very capacious, its breadth securing the 
vessels which might be lying there in the winter, against 
the effect of the torrents rushing from the mountains. 
Here a depot should be made of corn, wine, flax, lin- 
seed, and oil, in readiness to ship for the capital, on 
board any vessels which might be sent for the purpose. 
They might also take on board large quantities of thorn 
bark for tanning ; the gana, a shrub used in making- 
soap ; tobacco ; wool of an excellent quality from the 
Merino sheep ; the inspissated juice of the aloe, which 
may be had in large quantities ; and many articles of 
traffic, not only for home consumption in the Cape dis- 
trict, but also as articles for exportation, the want of 
which was so severely felt, that the exchange for bills 



540 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

upon England, which were considered at par at 125, 
rose in the year 1822 to more than 200. 

" A constant trade might thus be carried on, and if 
the resources of the colony were by such means brought 
into action, there is little doubt but the ejxport trade 
would be very considerable, even in corn. 

"Mr. Van Rennen, the owner of this farm, having 
purchased the famous EngHsh stallion, Euryalus, had 
greatly improved his breed of horses, which rose in 
value, and were generally sold at high prices from 500 
to 1000 rix dollars. There were upon the farm 300 
cows, and yet neither butter nor cheese were made, 
beyond what was required for the use of the family, 
and this for want of an outlet. It was stated that 1500 
sheep were shorne annually upon this farm ; that the 
wool was sold in Cape Town for two rix dollars the 
pound, and that the fleeces average two pounds each. 
Mr. Van Rennen has taken the precaution of enclosing 
and covering in a pool, or rather an extensive well in 
his grazing ground, by which he ensures a constant 
supply of water in the hottest seasons. It not only 
prevents the rapid evaporation, which would be caused 
by the heat of the sun, but also prevents the cattle 
from wallowing and trampling upon the borders of the 
pool. The want of water is the cause of the greatest 
suffering in every part of the colony. Great improvi- 
dence has been manifested in the distribution of the 
different farms by the Government, and this shews the 
expediency of being liberal in the remuneration of 
talented and upright Surveyors in all new settlements, 
and in preventing a monopoly of the streams ; from which 



Chap, XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 541 

single cause it frequently happens that extensive traces 
of valuable land may be thrown out of cultivation. 
From the steep descent of the beds of the rivers the 
waters soon run off; but much might, nevertheless, be 
done by irrigation and by lateral cuts. The country 
however must become much more populous before such 
improvements can be looked for. 

" On the 8th, we left Rhinoster Fonteyne in Mr. Van 
Rennen's wagon, which he had kindly lent us in order 
that we might send off our own, and the saddle horses at 
a very early hour ; and that the horses might be refreshed 
before they were required for the remainder of the day's 
journey, which was to be a very long one. We 
traversed an immense plain near fifteen miles in breadth, 
cultivated in patches which produced corn in abundance, 
and stretching to a great extent from the sea to the 
foot of the Swartberg. The mountains had continued 
to bound the prospect upon the left, from the time we 
had passed Hottentot Holland's Kloof, and were seen 
running on to the north-east, lost in the most remote dis- 
tance. The vallies and ravines, were generally dark with 
the woods springing up in the dark alluvial soil wliich 
was washed down by the wintry rains. In the course 
of this day, we arrived at Duivenhock, where the 
scenery was truly beautiful ; and here we found a most 
respectable and hospitable family, in a substantial and 
commodious cottage, mth every thing wearing the ap- 
pearance of industry and gradual improvement. After 
receiving refreshment here, we proceeded over an open 
and generally level country to the K after Kuyl 



542 IVIEMOIR OP Chap. XVII. 

River ; we saw abundance of game in crossing it. The 
Kaffer Kuyl is a considerable stream running with 
rapidity from the mountains towards the sea. Much 
corn is grown near to its banks, and two respectable 
looking farms lie at a small distance from each other. 
This river is not capable of being made navigable 
having an irregular and rocky bed, and in the rainy 
seasons it becomes an impetuous torrent. In the 
evening, we arrived at a farm belonging to Mr. La 
Grange, on the high road from Cape Town to Mossul 
Bay ; it is situated on a level plateau at a considerable 
height above the level of the sea. The country about 
it is generally undulating, except in the immediate 
neighbourhood of the river, the banks of which are very 
steep and rugged. The Soetmelks River runs very 
near this farm ; a great number of horses are bred 
here and some cattle. 

" Having passed the night with great comfort here, 
we pursued our journey towards the Gauritz River, 
over a beautifully variegated country. The mimosa of 
the most lively and refreshing green was strikingly 
contrasted with the generally parched and arid ap- 
pearance of the soil, but this was also frequently re- 
lieved by the brilliancy of patches of flowering shrubs 
of the most lively hues, approaching even to gaudiness, if 
such a term can be applied to the objects of creation ; 
wliile the aloes, scattered over the country in boundless 
profusion, gave fmisliing touclics to the landscape, and 
])ro(hicc(l the happiest circct. The whole of the tract 
wc passed over tliis day appeared to be fit for cultiva- 



Chap. XVII. glR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 543 

tion, capable of producing in abundance all the ne- 
cessaries of life, and wherever industry had been em- 
ployed, it was apparently crowned with success. 

" This day, the 9th day of December, was the hottest 
we had experienced, the thermometer was at 99 in the 
interior of the wagon. The wind from the north felt 
as though it came from a furnace ; not a cloud was to 
be seen, except a few of a white and fleecy description, 
which were gathering over the summit of the Swartberg ; 
and from their appearance, Colonel Graham, who had 
been long an observer of the changes of the weather in 
this country, at once predicted a thunder storm ; and 
his conjectures were accurate, for in less than three 
hours a most violent storm of wind and rain, with 
tremendous thunder and vivid hghtning, came on, and 
lasted about two hours. We had, providentially, 
reached the Gauritz River, and crossed it before the 
storm came on, and were comfortably sheltered at the 
house of Esaias Miers, on the left bank. He was a kind 
and hospitable man ; and, with his excellent wife, gave 
every accommodation in their power to offer. With 
their assistance, and that of our own cook, we soon 
procured an excellent dinner. In about two hours the 
weather cleared up, and gave us a delightful evening 
for pursuing our journey. 

" The banks of the Gauritz are extremely precipitate^ 
and scarcel}^ less than two hundred feet in height ; the 
road, as may be supposed, is very steep, but with the 
precaution of locking both the hind wheels of the wagon, 
is not dangerous. The difficulty of ascending is very 
great. The country people in general ivdycl with two 



544 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII 

or three wagons in company, for the purpose of assist- 
ing each other in getting over these places, which to 
one team of oxen would be insurmountable. This 
forms one of the most animating and pictures^^ue 
scenes imaginable. I have already adverted to it, 
but to see the wagons ascending from the bed of 
Gauritz, up a broken road which in other countries 
would be deemed impracticable, with a long line of, in 
some instances, thirty-six oxen, through the wildest 
scenery imaginable, the shouting of the drivers, the 
echoes occasioned by the cracking of their huge whips, 
and the passengers in every direction climbing amongst 
the rocks in pursuit of the nearest way to the summit 
of the ridge, altogether produces an effect which is in- 
describable, and of a peculiarly animating character. 

" We had in this place an additional proof of what 
industry and perseverance can perform in overcoming 
existing difficulties, but it is certainly ^ taking the bull 
by the horns.' A small portion of labour applied by 
legislative investments would soon render these roads 
practicable for the wagon and its own team, without 
any of the detention and risk of loss of oxen, and 
damage to the vehicle which is now constantly ex- 
perienced ; and this being the great road to immense 
forests in Uitenhage, and to the district of George, it 
seems the more extraordinary that some exertion had 
not long before been made by the Colonial Government. 
In many cases wo observed that the road might have 
been rendered much easier, and consequently safer, and 
more expeditious, by a Httlc more detour being made 
in it ; Ijut wlicn even it was at all possible, the straight 



Chap. XYIL SIR JAHLEEL BEENTON. 545 

line was most inflexibly adhered to. It was frequently 
seen that the ruts of wheels were passing over a stone 
of two or three feet in height, where a deviation of as 
many yards would have avoided it. But it was a road 
which the grandfather had gone, and was therefore 
most dutifully followed by his descendants. 

" The Gauritz is frequently in the rainy season a for- 
midable torrent, and impassable for days together, at 
which time a most singular and picturesque scene 
presents itself, from the groups of wagons and travellers 
collected on each bank, forming as it were extensive 
encampments, their numerous spans of horses and oxen 
grazing on the steep declivities of the bank, where any 
food can be found for them, or outspanned on the 
heights for the purpose of grazing. To these are added 
on the left bank very large droves of cattle and flocks 
of sheep, waiting for the water to subside, that they 
may continue their way to the Cape Town market. 
The Boors and their Hottentots enjoy these bivouacs 
much, as they pass the time of their detention in shoot- 
ing, and the neighbourhood is well supplied with game; 
nor are the females of the party without their share in 
the general excitement, as they have the enjoyment of 
society from which they are precluded in their solitary 
farms ; and as their wagons form very cjmmodious 
tents, they experience but little more discomfort than 
in their cots at home, where in many cases the 
accommodations are hardly superior. To add to the 
animation of the scene, their little fires blazing in all 
directions, and the column of blue smoke ascending 
along the hills, and taking from them the monotony of 

2 N 



546 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

feature by giving an appearance of distance to those 
parts dimly seen, increases the general effect of the 
picture. 

" The Gauritz is in no part navigable, from the bro- 
ken and rocky nature of its bed, and no boats are 
consequently to be found upon it Beneath the cliff on 
the right bank was a remarkable plateau, enclosed in a 
bend of the winding of the banks, quite level, and of 
considerable extent, and about twenty feet above the 
bed of the river. At the first view it appeared well 
calculated for the site of a village, but in winter it is 
frequently laid under water ; and logs of timber and 
drift wood scattered over it shewed this tj have been 
recently the case. 

" Several wagons laden with timber were met with 
in the course of this day, on their way to Cape Town^ 
carrying many large yellow- wood beams for building, 
and logs for converting into planks, also fellies for wheels, 
and treenails for the repair of ships. Tt may easily 
be conceived under what amazing disadvantages this 
traffic is carried on between the forest and the capital, 
a distance little short of two hundred miles, and the 
road lying nearly along the coast. It can be shewn that 
plank from Norway and from America may be brought 
into the market at a rate which competes with this 
which is grown in the colony ; but the injury is not con- 
fined to the high price of this indispensable commodity. 
These journeys for the conveyance of timber depopulate 
the whole country in the neighbourhood of the forest. 
The labourers and the cattle arc constantly on tha 
road; and not unfrequently the farmer and his family 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 547 

seize the opportunity, in order to have their froHc, 
leaving the cows, the young stock, and the crops to the 
care of an aged female Hottentot, while every other part 
of the establishment follows the wagon. Should the 
scanty portion of grain which he has sown fail, in con- 
sequence of his absence, the family have a resource ; they 
can live entirely upon mutton, and game, and tea, and 
brandy ; the two latter articles being never forgotten 
in the return cargo. The want of hands in the differ- 
ent farms is an universal complaint ; and is the only 
cause that can be assigned, why the immense tracts of 
fertile land are uncultivated ; but the reason is here at 
once given. The whole population is employed in 
taking materials for building to Cape Town ; while a 
few hundred hands employed in conducting a coasting 
trade would effect more completely all that is to be 
done ; and leave the farmers and the farm servants, 
undisturbed in their rural occupations ; ensuring to the 
former a most liberal return of whatever the ground 
would produce, while industrious habits would take 
the place of that wandering, unsettled, and indolent 
disposition for which the Cape Boor is so remarkable. 

" The abundance of all the essentials of life which 
a kind Providence has showered down on this favoured 
country, is another great cause of the little advance its 
inhabitants make in improvement, which is so obvious 
in most parts of the interior. The want of food is 
unknown amongst them, either for man or beast ; and 
other wants are easily provided for. Houses built of 
clay and thatched with reeds are readily constructed ; 
the wood work necessarv for doors, windows, and raf- 



548 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

ters, is easily obtained from the nearest Bosch, as the 
forest is called ; and converted by the roughest tools 
in such a way as may answer the purpose. The fur- 
niture of many of the houses is confined to the frames 
of a bedstead or two, (the sacking for which is formed 
of thongs of raw hide) and a large chest serving at 
once for a store closet and a table. Clothing is easily 
made from the sheep-skin tanned or untanned ; and a 
few loads of wood or aloes carried to Cape Town 
market, will procure them brandy and tea, their prin- 
cipal luxuries, and such European manufactures as 
they may be tempted to indulge in, such as printed 
calicos, and linen. These journieSj as we have shewn^ 
are attended with no other expense or loss than the 
neglect of their farms. The covered wagon is their 
dwelling house, and the sleeping apartment for the 
master and mistress ; the children and slaves sleeping 
under them in dry weather. The journey is divided 
into schoffs, or distances, calculated from one grazing 
place to another, called " Out-span " places ; these are 
six, eight, or ten hours from each other, as they happen 
to be. In the more sandy and arid parts of the colony 
the schoffs are regulated by the springs of water. The 
march is generally performed by night in summer, in 
order to avoid the heat of the sun. As soon as they 
reach the out-span place, the oxen are unyoked, and 
turned out to graze. If they have horses, they are knee 
haltered, by the halter being tied to the fore leg, and so 
short that when the head of the animal is elevated, his 
leg is lifted from the ground, and he can only go 
upon three legs, which ensures his being caught when 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 549 

wanted. In these wild parts of the colony there is 
little fear of the cattle straying, for they are too much 
in fear of wild beasts to wander far from protection ; 
and it was very remarkable that saddle horses, which 
if turned out near the Cape, would be very difficult to 
catch, will, in the interior, when far from any in- 
habited place, keep close to the owner, when leading 
them by the bridle, or if left to themselves. 

" As soon as the horses and oxen are turned out, 
the domestic arrangements begin ; fires are lighted, 
sheep or fowls are killed, and cooking proceeds with 
great energy. It may be that a buck is brought 
in, which makes the feast a sumptuous one, in which 
all are equally interested. The driver and leaders of 
the oxen are no sooner off duty than they betake 
themselves to sleep, and only awake for their food, and 
then sleep again. After the meal, the Siesta becomes 
general, and lasts till the preparation signal is given 
for resuming the journey, when all again is bustle ; 
the cattle are yoked, the wagons packed, and the 
cracking of the huge whips again announces that they 
are in motion. Such is nearly the history of every 
day, and of the whole journey, until they reach the 
immediate vicinity of the capital, when they become 
restrained by the usages of more civilized life, a fetter 
which is severely felt by all, bipeds as well as quadru- 
peds. There are few instances of these travellers 
being attacked in their night marches by the wild 
beasts, which infest so many parts of the interior of the 
colony. The feline species are in general as cowardly 
as ferocious, and are scared by the noise and the 



550 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

number of the caravans, which of course is not dimin- 
ished on this account. 

" If stationary, in the night the cattle are kept tied 
to the wagons, and large fires kept burning round the 
little encampment. In the preceding year, while the 
Governor, Lord Charles Somerset, was on his journey 
to the Fish river with his family, having stopped for the 
night on one of the extensive plains over which they 
had to pass, a little Hottentot boy, the leader of one of 
the teams, having laid down to sleep at a little distance 
from the wagons, was seized by a lion. His screams 
having aroused the people who had not yet gone to 
sleep, the noise they made in pursuing the animal, 
induced it to drop its prey, and the child was found at 
a few yards distance, very little injured by the jaws 
of the beast. 

" At three p.m. we proceeded on our journey towards 
Mossel Bay, which I was very anxious to visit, that T 
might form my own judgment as to its fitness as a 
resort for the coasting trade. The accounts published 
by the Dutch authorities of every part of the coast, 
threw great discouragement over every prospect of such 
a trade being ever established ; but they were evidently 
influenced by consideration of the inexpediency of the 
coast being known to foreigners, which would render 
it necessary to defend many parts hitherto avoided as 
dangerous. 

" We soon readied the farm of Thunis Meyer, lying 
in a beautiful, fertile, and tolerably well cultivated 
valley. Tlic land was evidently good, and immense 
quantities of grain might have been grown here, in the 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 551 

immediate vicinity of Mossel Bay, where the anchorage 
might be deemed as safe as that of Table Bay, and 
from whence it might be shipped either for the capital 
or the foreign market. Between this place and Mossel 
Bay lies another extensive farm, belonging to Mr. 
MuUer, also abounding in grain, and in which a num- 
ber of horses and black cattle are annually reared. 
The farm lies at the eastern extremity of the Kleine 
Riverberg, and has a distant view of the sea, near 
Mossel Bay and the mouth of the Kayman, or ' Croco- 
dile's Gut.' There are some deep and well wooded 
glens and precipitous ravines in the immediate neigh- 
bourhood of this farm, beautifully wild and picturesque. 
The aloe, the mimosa, with every description and size 
of shrubs, and an immense variety of blooming and 
curious heaths, and other flowering plants, give a rich- 
ness and beauty to the scene of which neither the pen 
nor the pencil could give any adequate idea. We 
remained at Mr Muller's, and were as usual kindly 
and hospitably treated. It was here we remarked the 
apparently improvident and wasteful manner in which 
the Dutch colonial system of farming was carried on. 
A thrashing floor is built on the summit of an elevation 
commanded by the prevailing S.E. wind, and here the 
corn is trodden out by the hoofs of horses driven round 
the enclosure at a quick pace ; after which it is turned 
up to the breeze, and the chafl" and the straw are 
carried far away, being considered of no value here, as 
it was supposed the cattle would not feed upon it. 
This might certainly be true when they had abundance 
of green food at command, but could not be the case in 



552 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII 

the hot summer months, when the country was parched 
up in all du-ections. We had an opportunity of shew- 
ing the error of this system, for when dry feeding- 
cattle for St. Helena was practised at Simon's Town, 
the straw formed a very principal part of their food. 

" On the following morning a thick haze covered 
the face of the country, a sure indication that the day 
would be sultry, and we had every reason to respect 
the prediction. We left Mr. Muller's at eight in the 
morning of the 10th December, and traversed an 
extensive plain, on our way to Mossel Bay. We at 
length reached an eminence, from which a most mag- 
nificent view of the bay and eastern coast presented 
itself. Cape St. Blaize, which when originally dis- 
covered, gave its name to the bay, since altered by the 
former to the more familiar one, taken from the im- 
mense number of the shell-fish, to Mossel (or Muscle) 
Bay lay on our right. The little village or depot formed 
by the Dutch for collecting corn on government account 
was immediately below our feet, with the receding range 
of the Swartberg mountains, and the indented line of 
sea coast, terminating the prospect on the left and in 
front. 

" On our arrival in Mossel Bay, we were most kindly 
and hospitably welcomed by Mr. Obeen, a worthy 
Dane, long settled here, and whose name has been 
frequently and respectfully mentioned by travellers 
who have visited this place. He gave me some 
interesting information upon a subject I had much at 
heart, and assured me that he did not consider this 
bay as a dangerous anchorage, although exposed to the 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 553 

S. E. winds, which in the offing blew with much 
violence, but seldom, to use the seamen's phrase, ' blew 
hard/ During the period of his residence here, more 
than thirty years, he could remember more than one 
hundred vessels having anchored here, not one of which 
ever met with an accident whilst riding in it. An 
Englishman, named Murray, traded here ten years ; 
though his vessel was at last stranded on its passage 
round Cape Lagullos, which I apprehend to be one of 
the greatest dangers on this part of the colony, and should 
be accordingly avoided, not only by coasters, but by 
all vessels. There is no reason wh}^ any should ap- 
proach this dangerous point ; on the contrary, they may 
generally insure a quicker passage by keeping a good 
offing ; and as the coast, and the set of the currents 
are better known, the danger will vanish in a great 
measure. 

We were so much struck with the situation of this 
bay, as an outlet for the produce of the most valuable 
part of the colony, that we employed ourselves on each 
day that we remained here in making such observa- 
tions, and obtaining such information as might direct 
our judgment in forming a correct opinion as to the 
possibility of its being adopted as a depot. From the 
soundings we took, we became convinced that a mole 
carried out about one hundred yards to the N.E. from 
a point running off from the spot where the magazine 
is built, would give effectual shelter to as many coast- 
ing vessels as might be employed in taking off the 
produce, not only of the immediate neighbourhood, but 
of the Large Kloof From two and a lialf fathom to 



554 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

three and a half might be found the whole length of 
the mole, and this might easily be formed by roUing 
masses of rock from the elevated ground into the water 
without any artificer's work. Such a mole might 
be increased to any extent, that the trade might 
demand. Such moles are formed in every part of the 
Mediterranean — witness Palermo, Messina, Naples, 
Civita Vecchia, &g. &c., and particularly Gibraltar, 
where a mole for refitting ships of the line is formed 
in seven fathoms water, exposed to the whole fury of a 
western gale. Hence it is evident that a mole in 
Mossel Bay of such immense value to the surrounding- 
country, would be no idle or useless speculation. 

'• Thirty labourers under an active superintendant 
w^ould perform a considerable part of this work in the 
course of a year ; and the blocks of stone, lying at hand 
on the shore, would soon form the foundation. 

" I believe that the opinion I have ventured to offer 
respecting the general fertility of the soil, and its 
adaptation to the growth of corn, throughout the whole 
extensive tract comprehended between the Swartberg 
and the sea, from the Gauritz to the Kayman on which 
the Capital of the district of George is situated, will be 
confirmed by the general voice of the inhabitants. It 
requires only an industrious and an increased popula- 
tion, with an outlet for the produce, to bring it into the 
most extensive and successful cultivation ; for even the 
sour grass so destructive to sheep and cattle, I was 
every whei'o assured disappears from the soil, when the 
plough comes upon it. With respect to manure, let 
those who have travelled into the interior of the 



Chap XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 555 

country say, what immense heaps are collected in the 
immediate vicinity of the houses on all the farms, 
especially on the cattle farms ; of which no use whatever 
is made ; as the farmer prefers breaking up new land, 
which he is always enabled to do from the improvi- 
dent system of granting farms of such an immense size. 
The consequence is, that the heaps of manure annually 
accumulate, and the heavy rains faUing upon them, 
bring away noxious streams ; which, where the ground 
is level, form into stagnant and fetid pools, to the 
great danger of the health, if not of annoyance to the 
eyes and noses of the inhabitants, accustomed to such 
objects. 

" A considerable and a valuable fishery might also be 
carried on in Mossel Bay. There is a great demand for 
salted fish in every part of the interior for food for the 
slaves, and the Mahometans ; and a very profitable traffic 
might be carried on in this article, and be the means of 
removing another great hindrance to agricultural pro- 
gress ; for the division of labour, which does so much in 
all other countries, by leaving to those who have been 
brought up to any particular calling the exercise of the 
skill and talents they have acquired in it, is almost lost 
sight of in this colony. The farmer, instead of devo- 
ting all his energies, his people, his capital, and his 
time, to the improvement of his estate, becomes his 
own carrier to a distant market, his own wood cutter, 
carpenter, wheelwright, fisherman, &c., and makes but a 
very indifferent figure in each capacity, when compared 
to those who confine themselves to one distinct branch. 
Fishing is another very great source of temptation to 



556 ]\IEMOIR OF Chap. XVII 

the Boor, and suits well with his restless and migratory 
habits. Those even at a very considerable distance 
from the coast, will embark their whole family, labour- 
ers, slaves and all in their wagons, provided with 
seines, and other fishing gear, and salt ; and proceed 
to the coast in the larder"' season, where they will 
encamp and remain for weeks catching and curing 
fish, and at the same time enjoying all the pleasures of 
the chase where game abounds. This recreation and 
enjoyment is only censurable when the more important 
concerns of the farm and its produce are neglected, 
and the public interest consequently suffers from the 
high price of the necessaries of life, or what amounts to 
the same thing, from the very high rate of exchange on 
remittance bills to the mother country for want of the 
means of carrying on an expert trade. But upon this 
subject the Dutch farmer has views and ways of think- 
ing peculiarly his own. In conversation with one of 
them upon the subject of the high price of grain, he 
said, ' Why Commissioner, I would rather it even were 
at one hundred rix dollars a load than at fifty, although 
the high price might arise from a scanty crop, on my 
own farm, as well as on those of my neighbours ; for in 
the former case, one wagon would take one hundred 
dollars worth to market, and in the latter case it would 
require two.' This hereditary calculator never had 
taken it into consideration, that by superior talent and 
energy his farm might have produced its full amount, 
and that lie would have shared in the high prices 
caused by the neglect of others. 

* 'I'he lanler is n species of wliitc mullet. 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 557 

" A few days before our arrival in Mossel Bay, a 
schooner belonging to Mr. Van Rienan had come in 
there, and he had disposed of a considerable quantity 
of iron, tea, sugar, wine, brandy, coffee, together with a 
large stock of European manufactures, by auction, for 
money onl}^, at six months' credit. A most ruinous 
system, holding out the strongest incentive to extrava- 
gance and intemperance. The profits upon these 
cargoes, or rather the difference between the original 
and the last prices paid upon them, were stated by the 
purchasers to be 100 per cent, and they were probably 
not above the fact in their estimate. The temptation 
of long credit alone induced them to buy under such 
circumstances, and the prices were farther supported 
by a monopoly in the trade, arising from a want of 
competition, leaving the whole in the hands of one 
enterprizing man. 

"On the 11th of December we quitted Mossel Bay, 
at three p.m., on our way to the Gulbecks River, on 
the banks of which we were to halt for the night. 
The road winding round the N.W. shore of Mossel 
Bay, although very rugged and difficult in many places, 
might with a little exertion be rendered tolerable, 
if not good. Having ascended a gradual acclivity of 
about five miles from the Bay, we had a most magnifi- 
cent view of the windings of the Hartebest River, 
through a beautifully diversified valley, with the Swart- 
bergs in the back ground, their summits illuminated by 
and sparkling with the rays of the setting sun, catching 
upon the broken crags by which many of the heiglits 
were terminated. The house of Mr. Mayers, who was 



558 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII- 

to be our host for the night, stood upon a gentle 
eminence, sloping down from the mountain towards the 
sea, and commanded a splendid view of the valley, 
the river, and the sea, with the whole range of coast 
from IMossel Bay to the Kayman. Mr. Mayers is an 
example of what may be done by industry and exer- 
tion. His family and his house were highly creditable. 
Hospitality, neatness, and every appearance of domestic 
felicity, gave a relish to this scene which is not easily 
forgotten, and would have been a subject for admira- 
tion in any part of the world. All that struck the 
eye conveyed an idea of comfort and respectability, and 
shewed the effect of habitual attention to arrangement 
and cleanliness. A group of beautiful and orderly 
children gave promise that this valley would flourish in 
future generations. 

" Mr. Mayers had long been afflicted with rheuma- 
tism, and had almost become a cripple, he still walked 
with a crutch, but was recovering. He appeared to 
have lost neither energy or cheerfulness. When one 
of our party remarked to him how fine a family he 
had, his answer seemed to come warm from his heart, 
and his feelings glistened in his eyes, while he said, 
' Yes, and that was the reason why I was so anxious 
to recover my health, that I might see them respec- 
tably brought up.' 

" The most serious of all wants experienced by the 
colonial farmers in general, is the great distance from 
all means of religious instruction. 1 have already shewn 
liow much property increases in value by lying in the 
nciglibourliood of a cliurcli ; and the people are gene- 



Chap. XVII SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 559 

rally willing to make sacrifices, in order to have places 
of worship amongst them. From Caledon to George, a 
distance of a hundred miles, there is no church ; and all 
the families in the intermediate space are obliged to go 
either to the one or to the other town for marriages or 
christenings ; indeed they often, if not generally, availed 
themselves of their occasional journies to Cape Town 
with the produce of their farms, for these purposes. 
Impressed with the deplorable state of ignorance, and 
in too many cases of vice, in which some of the Boors' 
families were living, for want of the care of a pastor, I 
subsequently wrote to the Bishop of London, and stating 
the effects produced by the exertions of the Moravians 
as an encouragement, I ventured to suggest that Minis- 
ters of the Church of England should be sent out, and 
located in different parts of the colony, where they 
might live comfortably and respectably, on a very 
moderate income, assisted by a certain portion of land ; 
and I added, that were a clerk to accompany the 
minister, a man of w^ell known good character, and 
skilful as a mechanic, particularly as a carpenter, 
mason, or blacksmith, it was certain that a village 
would rise up in a very short space of time, and that 
the rehgion as well as the language of England w^ould 
rapidly spread throughout the colony. 

" The scene round the country churches on sacra- 
ment Sundays, which occur about four times in the 
year, resembles a large fair, from the w^agons coming 
from every part of the country within a day's journey of 
the church, and sometimes even from a much greater dis- 
tance. They remain the whole day, and not unfrcqucntly 



560 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

for several days together in the rainy season, from the 
country being flooded. The people upon these occa- 
sions also, as well as upon their more distant journeys, 
inhabit their wagons, with the exception perhaps of a. 
few, who may find accommodation with friends residing 
near the church ; but this general and periodical 
assemblage too often leads to conviviality and intem- 
perance, which entirely defeat the religious intention 
of the journey, and render the sacred rite which was 
intended for their benefit an additional cause of ini- 
quity. That there are many striking exceptions to 
this line of conduct, I have already endeavoured to 
shew ; but the eff"ect of such a state of things upon the 
great mass of uneducated people, must be evident to 
every one who knows the propensities of mankind. It 
does then become a most imperative duty on the 
mother country to administer to the spiritual wants of 
her distant population, and neither labour nor expense 
should be spared ; though in this case, but little of 
either is required. The bare selection of fit persons as 
pastors, with a very moderate income, say £300 per 
annum, with a grant of land and proper encouragement 
to a pious and skilful mechanic, as a clerk, would be 
all that is required, for a considerable extent of this 
fertile wilderness, for such it may be well termed, both 
in a moral and an agricultural sense. The respectable 
character of Mr. Meyers, will at the same time account 
for and justify this digression. 

" This is a considerable corn farm, called Hartenbosh 
Kraal. In tolerable years the return is about twenty 
bushels for one, wliich although it falls far below the 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAULEEL BRENTON. 561 

produce of many other parts of the colony, especially 
where new lands are brought under cultivation, is 
nevertheless a fair average, but here again the great 
want is a market. Mr. Meyers assured me, that could 
he procure forty rix dollars the load for his corn at 
Mossel Bay, he would employ every one of his people 
in cultivating his land, but that he could not afford to 
send it to the Cape. He had three hundred head of 
cattle, forty horses, and a large flock of sheep ; the 
latter, however, were very subject to the rot, in conse- 
quence of the sour grass. The large cattle were in 
excellent order. 

"On the 12th December we left this interesting- 
family, deeply impressed with their kindness, and with 
all we had seen there. We were obliged to wait till 
ten o'clock, before we could proceed on our journey, 
in order that the tide might be out in the rivers we 
had to pass, and enable us to ford them ; these were 
the Grilbeck, and the great and little Braake. The 
Grilbeck is a tributary stream to the little Braake. 
We crossed them both near the confluence, the first 
about fifty yards in breadth, but at the time not more 
than two feet deep ; the latter is a considerable stream, 
and in some parts of our passage nearly five feet in 
depth. The country between these rivers is irregular, 
and sometimes precipitous. The valley between the 
great and little Braake had the appearance of much 
fertility. The road winds round the southern slope of 
a range of hills diverging from the great chain of 
mountains, which runs parallel with the coast, and 
stretches towards tlie sea. We crossed the great 

2 o 



562 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIL 

Braake about a mile from its mouth, where it was lost 
at this period in a high ridge of sand stretching across 
it, but which of course gives way to the winter's 
torrents. This blockade is of such constant occurrence, 
as to deprive the great Braake of all prospect of being 
made navigable. This river was not broader where 
we crossed it than the little Braake, but its banks w^ere 
steeper, and the depth much the same. In winter it 
must be a tremendous torrent, from the great declivity 
of its bed, and the steep and precipitous ravines run- 
ning into it. From the summit of a high hill on the 
eastern side of the great Braake we had one of the 
finest prospects we had as yet enjoyed. It compre- 
hended a most magnificent combination of mountain, 
plain, deep wooded dells, the windings of the Hvers, 
and a most extensive line of the sea coast, including 
the whole of Mossel Bay and Cape St. Blaize, the view 
extending and losing itself in the far western distance. 
This spot called forth a rapturous description and ad- 
miration from Lichtenstein, and well deserves both. 

" We now approached the great forest of Uitenhagc 
land, and already saw fine timber trees skirting the 
southern slope of the Swartberg, and flourishing in 
increased luxuriance in the deep ravines, where they 
derived nourishment from the alluvial soil continually 
carried down by the rains. The vegetation of these 
dells is rank and productive beyond expectation, es- 
pecially when contrasted with the stunted production 
of the plains we had been so long traversing, 

" From tlic great Braake to the Mudzikammer we 
crossed an deviated plateau, well cultivated in many 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 563 

parts. The grass however is sour, and unfit for 
grazing; but this pernicious quality wears ofi* after 
having been turned up by the plough. Here we had 
the first view of the rising city of George, the chief 
town of the district ; also the new road into the Lange 
Kloof, made in the pass of a mountain called Crad- 
dock's hing, after the Governor in whose time it was 
begun, Lord Howden. 

" The traveller is greatly deceived in his estimate of 
the distance from his first sight of George, after having 
ascended the heights on the left bank of the great 
Braake ; to all appearance he thinks he could ride it 
with ease to himself and his horse in an hour and a 
half; but the road is so crossed by deep ravines, no 
appearance of v/hich present themselves, that we spent 
more than four hours in reaching that place. 

"The banks of the Mudzikammer are most formid- 
ably precipitous, and here was the steepest pass we 
had met with over any river. On reaching it we found 
a wagon stuck in the bottom of the only narrow road 
which led across the river, and in such a manner as 
precluded all possibility of our getting over until it was 
removed. This is a circumstance that frequently 
occurs, and the driver of the arrested wagon bears his 
detention with the utmost degree of philosophy. He 
proceeds to light his fire, and cook his meals, and then 
goes quietly to sleep, well knowing that he is the 
master of the pass, and that none can proceed either 
east or west until he is extricated ; he is sure therefore 
of the assistance of the first span of oxen or liorses 
which may come. This extrication must liavc fallen 



564 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

to our lot, had we not preceded our wagon on horse- 
back and found a person waiting for us at this place, 
with information that a relay of horses had been sent 
for us to the pass of the Palmiet River, about a mile 
higher up the ravine. We accordingly turned off in 
that direction, and passed the Palmiet River, or more 
properly speaking the Palmiet bog, for no water was 
visible. This was not effected without great difficulty, 
even with fresh and vigorous horses, which had been 
kindly sent by Mr. Van Kemper, the Landroost of 
George. It is a deep slough, formed by the decayed 
roots of the Palmieto ; and the waters oozing from the 
surrounding ravines, in dry weather not being in a 
sufficient quantity to form a stream, stagnate among 
the roots. The wagon sunk into the floating mass up 
to the axle-trees ; but what increased the difficulty was 
the very steep height of the opposite bank, which was 
to be ascended after getting over. The ground is so 
unequal that it is almost impossible for the horses to 
draw together ; but every effort is made by the whip 
and the voice to urge them to simultaneous exertion, and 
is generally successful. It was at length overcome, and 
we proceeded gaily on the road to George, where we 
arrived at half-past five o'clock, and were most cor- 
dially received and welcomed by our excellent friend 
the Landroost. 

"The town of George is increasing rapidly under the 
animating and paternal direction of their excellent and 
amiable Landroost, Mr. Van Kemper. The streets 
cross each other at right angles, and the houses are 
built at sucli a distance from each other, as to place 



Chap. XVIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 565 

each in the midst of a garden. The principal street is 
nearly a mile in length, and is terminated on one side 
b}^ the Laudroost's house, a comfortable and substan- 
tial residence. There is a neat little church, also a 
court house, surgeon's house, and a gaol. 

" The inhabitants of George at the time of our visit 
did not exceed six hundred. Their chief employment 
when not engaged in building, was in cutting wood in 
the forest of Uitenhage land, to send to Cape Town ; 
some of them were engaged in cutting wood near 
Plattenberg Bay for the naval department. 

" The expediency of Mossel Bay being made a port 
for the shipment of the produce of this district was the 
universal theme of conversation at George. It was 
justly considered that inestimable advantages would 
result from such a measure being adopted, not only to 
this part of the country, but to the Lange Kloof, and 
the whole eastern portion of the colony. All concurred 
in opinion that corn and every other essential of life 
could be raised to any extent were but the means of 
export open to them. 

" The complaint of wanting manure was heard of for 
the first time at George, and this may be accounted for 
by the very few cattle which are kept in the vicinity 
on account of the sour grass ; but the immediate 
neighbourhood of the forest offers a never failing re- 
source from the abundance of vegetable matter in a 
state of decomposition and full of fertility. The sour 
grass also, as has already been observed, will disappear 
with cultivation. 

" The church is a heavy building in the Dutcli taste, 



566 MEMOIR OF CHAr. XVII. 

but sufficiently large to contain the population of the 
town and immediate neighbourhood. It is kept in the 
neatest order internally and externally, and notwith- 
standing its grotesque architecture, forms a fine feature 
when relieved by the dark foliage of the forest in the 
back ground, with the Swartberg receding in the dis- 
tance. The ground on each side the streets is marked 
out in building lots, ready for sale. A given time is 
allowed for building a house on an established plan, 
and after the period is expired, the owner is made to 
pay fifty rix dollars per annum until it is finished. 
The place is remarkably well supplied with water from 
springs rising at the foot of the Swartberg, and which 
is led in channels through every street and into every 
garden. 

" The town of George was began in 1812, under the 
government of Sir John Craddock. Considerable pro- 
gress had been made during the five years w^hich had 
elapsed. Artificers of all descriptions find abundant 
employment. Carpenters, masons, blacksmiths gain 
from one and a half to two rix dollars a day, a much 
lower price than what is paid at the Cape, nor is the 
diflcrence in the price of provisions such as to justify 
the reduction. Consequently none but people of a very 
common skill in their employments will remain there, 
as every tiling finds its own level in this colony as 
elsewhere, employment only is wanting. 

" No medical man had yet oficred for the town of 
George, notwithstanding a house was provided for him. 
This was severely felt ; a child was dangerously ill with- 
out tlio possibility of medical advice being obtained ; we 



Chap. XVII. Sill JAIILEEL BRENTON. 567 

ventured to prescribe such treatment as would have 
been adopted in our own families under similar circum- 
stances, which was providentially successful. 

" Amongst the new inhabitants of George, the sad- 
dler appears to be the most industrious, and deservedly 
the most flourishing. He not only carried on an 
extensive business in his own line throughout the Lang- 
Kloof and the eastern parts of the colony, but was 
also a principal builder at George, and an improver of 
land. He had formed a large reservoir of nearly one 
hundred feet square, in the neighbourhood of his house, 
by which he is enabled to keep all his grounds under 
cultivation in the dry season. 

" On the 1 4th December we went to visit a mission- 
ary establishment at Hoet Kraal, where we found a sol- 
itary missionary of the Presbyterian persuasion, who had 
been settled there several years before. His progress 
among the poorer classes and the Hottentots had not 
been rapid, nor with his limited means and unassisted 
efforts could it have been expected. He has by his own 
labour erected a building, which answers at once for a 
chapel and school house, and may contain from two to 
three hundred people. He has built a small cottage 
for his own dwelling, and has also a large and very 
productive garden, with abundance of vegetables. 
Nearly three hundred " Hottentots with their families 
have settled near him, and many of them manifest 
much intelligence and industry ; are increasing in com- 
forts ; and arc following the example of their brethren 
in Genadendahl in their advance towards civilization ; 



568 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII 

although tliey are in want of many useful articles which 
these obtain from the Moravians. 

" Mr. Pachault, the missionary here, has the charac- 
ter of being a most worthy, pious, and consistent man ; 
he devotes himself entirely to the performance of the 
duty he has undertaken, and appears to derive great 
happiness from the employment. His flock seem to 
reverence him with filial affection, and what is a still 
more striking proof of the mildness and the usefulness 
of his conduct, the inhabitants of the district are all 
loud in his praise. We attended divine service, which 
consisted of a hymn sung by the Hottentots, whose 
wild and untaught notes were still more delightful, or 
at least affecting, than those at the Moravian establish- 
ment. This was followed by a sermon in Dutch, which 
was received with very marked attention ; and he then 
expounded the seventh chapter of St. Matthew, verse 
by verse, in a manner which appeared to my com- 
panions who were acquainted with the language, cal- 
culated to leave the most salutary impression upon the 
minds of his hearers. 

" A Hottentot boy of twelve years old is Mr. 
Pachault's assistant, and acts as schoolmaster. His 
scholars are said to make a great proficiency. This 
boy has an additional finger on eacli hand. 

" From Hoet Kraal we visited Wyt Fontcyne, a 
beautiful spot upon the skirts of the forest, near the 
town of George, belonging to Mr. Van Kervel. He is 
building a house of some magnitude there, delightfully 
situated, and in tlic neighbourhood of the finest forest 



Chap. XVII, SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 569 

scenery in the world. A great variety of stately trees 
abound there, and a most extraordinary creeper, the 
wild vine, called by the natives the Bavian's tew (or the 
baboon's rope, as these animals climb the trees by 
them,) which having crept up the trunk, and over-run 
all the branches, hang down in all directions in a most 
extraordinary and picturesque manner, having some- 
times the appearance of a large ship coming out of a 
severe action. 

" We were delighted with our Sunday at George ; 
the day was remarkably fine, and the inhabitants of 
the district had assembled from, great distances to 
attend the service of the church. They arrived in 
numerous wagons, which were collected round the 
church. The clergyman, Mr. Harold, is a very re- 
spectable man, his congregation is always numerous, 
but particularly on sacrament days, which are once in 
a month ; when all who can attend, make a point of 
doing so ; a convincing proof of their favourable dis- 
position towards religion. That there are many 
lamentable instances of this being confined to the 
mere external ceremony must be acknowledged and 
deplored, but the charge is not to be confined to the 
Boor. It is but too common under infinitely superior ad- 
vantages of light, and knowledge, and education. The 
evil which appears most generally prevalent amongst 
this class of people arises from tlie want of education, 
and were this removed, they would stand higli in their 
claim to the respect of their brethren. The fault I 
allude to is cruelty to tlioir slaves ; but tins is the 
unavoidable consequence of slavery itself, which debases 



570 MEMOIR OF Chap. XYII. 

the mind of the master, whilst it Hes Hke a deadly 
incubus upon that of the wretched bondman; too often 
extinguishing every spark of good feeling in each towards 
the other, less frequently however in the latter than in the 
former. The children of the Boor have in general been 
taught to consider the slaves as brute beasts, without 
souls, and to treat them accordingly ; and hence comes 
the opposition so often made to every effort for instruct- 
ing them, or for civilizing the Hottentot. Still we may 
hope that these feelings and these prejudices are fast 
wearing away, and that the intelligence of the rising 
generation both of blacks and people of colour, will 
shew the blessings of liberty upon the human mind, a 
liberty which will lead him to that state in which all 
shall be free indeed, to pure and life-growing Chris- 
tianity, a state in which the labourer will work for love, 
and the master rule in kindness, and with a sincere 
desire that all around him shall be happy. This 
digression arises more from a desire to vindicate than 
to condemn the Boor, for it is too much the fashion to 
deny him any good quality. 

" The benevolent and exemplary conduct of the 
Landroost, Mr. Van Kervcl, is producing the happiest 
results as regards the situation of the slaves and 
Hottentots. It was delightful when driving through 
the town in his wagon, to sec the slave children 
running after it, and climbing into it, some of them 
even accompanying him in his airing, uninvited, and 
unrcbukcd. The good man quite enjoyed their hap- 
piness. 

" The ooimtry produces all the necessaries of life in 



Chap XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 571 

abundance, but they must import their luxuries. The 
grapes will not ripen sufficiently to make wine, and this 
is brought in general from Cape Town, at the rate of 
forty rix dollars the pipe ; thus adding greatly to the 
price ; whilst the value of the wine must be greatly 
lessened by being shaken in a wagon for two hundred 
miles over the roughest roads than any wine ever 
travelled upon. 

" Several large ponds are made in the neighbourhood 
of the town, in the centre of which are placed little 
islands for breeding rabbits and poultry, and for securing 
them from the devastation made among them when not 
so protected, by jackals and mooshunts, (the latter is a 
species of weazle.) The enclosures to the gardens are 
made of large blocks of blue clay, which becoming 
indurated by exposure to the sun, are very substantial 
and durable. 

" We here saw the slave who had been discovered by 
Colonel Collins in a residence which he had made for 
himself in the heart of the Zitzakamma forest ; and I 
give the story of this extraordinary man in the words of 
Colonel Collins, an officer who had been employed in 
ascertaining the resources of the Colony, and from 
whose most valuable reports, (copies of which I found in 
the Commissioner's office in the dock yard,) much useful 
information had been gained respecting the forests. 
Colonel Collins says — ' Soon after we passed the Doll 
River, we found the former residence of a Maroon slave, 
a native of Malabar, who had been brought from it 
(the hut) a few weeks before in the hope of reward by 
the Kaffi)rs, wliom wc had l)ccu in search of 'I1ic 



572 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

poor fellow had been six years in this unfrequented 
spot. A companion, whose grave we perceived at the 
distance of several miles beyond his habitation, for the 
first four months cheered his retreat, but he passed the 
remainder of his time without the company of a human 
being. 

" ' The first hut he had constructed was concealed in 
the woods ; the second shewed that he had built it with 
more confidence, for it was placed outside the forest, 
and an undisturbed residence of several years having 
given him reason to suppose that he might end his days 
in that peaceful abode, he had begun to build on a 
larger scale, but had only completed half his new 
mansion, when he was deprived of his possession. 
Wliether he supposed the land under the large wood, 
better than that naturally without any, I cannot say, 
but he had cleared at least two acres, which he had 
converted into an excellent garden, containing vegeta- 
bles, tobacco, and fruit trees, which his labour had 
appropriated to his own particular use. The dung of 
the Elephants and Buffaloes, which are both exceed- 
ingly numerous in that quarter, had served him for 
manure, a licap of their bones, and those of Elands, 
Boshbocks, and other antelopes, of whose skins he had 
manufactured good clothing, cut according to the 
r'iuropean fashion, manifested his success in the chase^ 
or rather liis ingenuity in contriving pits and snares to 
catch these animals. His industry had even extended 
to tlic baking of cai'thenware ; and this new Robinson 
('jMisoc liad contrived by liLs own exertion, to unite in 
his solitude all the comforts that are enjoyed in civilized 



Chap. XYIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 573 

life. Indolence had certainly no share in prompting 
his flight, nor had the fear of punishment been the cause 
of it, for he had never committed any crime. 

" 'Desirous to obtain some information respecting the 
country I was about to enter, I sent for this extraor- 
dinary man. The fear of his escape, and the weight of 
his fetters, had made it necessary to bring him in a 
wagon thus chained. It was his master's intention to 
avail himself of his future services, but observing to him 
that it was possible he might frustrate his vigilance, and 
draw other Maroons to the distant country he had 
lately inhabited, I directed that he should be immedi- 
ately taken to the Cape, and there changed or other- 
wise disposed of 

" In conversing with this energetic and interesting- 
being, he confirmed all that Colonel Collins had stated, 
and gave us many additional particulars; amongst 
others, that he was frequently pursued by the Buffaloes, 
which often broke down his enclosure; and that his 
house was only saved by being built against a tree, and 
under the shelter of its low and protecting branches . He 
had carried with him a quantity of garden seeds, which 
produced all he required. After having been brought 
to Colonel ColHns by the Kaffers as before stated, and 
sent by that officer to Cape Town, he received his 
freedom from the liberality of the Colonial Government, 
who directed that it should be purchased for him, and 
he became a resident at George. He appeared to be 
about forty years of age, stout and muscular, full of 
animation, and every way answering to the idea whicli 



574 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

would be formed of one capable of putting such a plan 
in execution as he carried through. 

" On the 1 7th December we left George on our road 
to the Knysna. The scenery on the left was extremely 
beautiful and picturesque, from the truly Alpine appear- 
ance of the Swartberg, the base of which is richly clothed 
with a superb forest stretching in the plain, and ex- 
hausting itself in scattered clumps, which gave the front 
ground a very park like appearance. The yellow-wood 
tree rising to a great height w^ithout a branch, and 
covered to its summit with a light green moss was 
particularly conspicuous; and from its branches the 
Bavian's tew hung in the wildest profusion, giving to 
the tree a most fantastic form. 

" On the right, the plain stretched away to the 
southward as far as the eye could reach, sometimes 
varied with a gentle acclivity, or intersected with a 
deep ravine ; though but little wood is to be seen in this 
direction. The grass is sour and hurtful to the cattle 
which graze upon it. The Swart River skirts the lower 
extremity of the forest, a small but beautifully trans- 
parent stream ; a variety of trees grow so close to its 
banks as nearly to cross each other, and form by 
their reclining position the appearance of a rustic 
bridge. The foliage was broken into large masses of 
deep green, relieved by the brightest tints, and these 
with the catching lights as the sun emerged from flying 
clouds, presented one of the most captivating prospects 
1 had ever beheld. 

" Immediately after crossing this stream we ascended 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 575 

a steep hill, and found ourselves on a small level j^lain, 
on which was formerly a Hottentot station, called 
Pampoo's Kraal. It is now occupied by wood cutters, 
who are employed in preparing loads of timber, plank, 
fellies and naves for wheels, and all kinds of materials 
for wagon work, to be in readiness to load the wagons 
for the Cape Town market. Many, and these chiefly 
Hottentots, were busied in preparing thongs cut from 
hides for the purpose of making harness. This is done 
by cutting the whole hide into one circular strip about 
an inch in breadth. A frame is then raised on two 
very strong posts, with a cross piece communicating 
one to the other in the form of a gallows ; the thong is 
then passed over and over, in bites, until it nearly 
reaches the ground ; when a heavy weight is attached 
to it, and by means of a lever the whole turned round 
and twisted, until the weight nearly reaches the cross 
piece, when the lever being withdrawn, the hide 
untwists itself with great velocity ; this process fre- 
quently repeated stretches the hide to its proper length 
for use, and gives it the proper degree of flexibility. 
The harness made in this manner is very durable ; and 
smaller strips treated in the same manner, are used for 
every purpose where small ropes would be employed in 
England. 

" On our approach to Kayman River tlie country 
assumes features entirely new to us, and most strikingly 
picturesque and bold. The pencil and not the pen 
should be used to describe it. The river runs through 
deep and tortuous ravines, the sides of which some- 
times awfully precipitous, arc composed of strata of 



576 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

sand stone, on which the aloe and other plants are seen 
growing from the fissures, in which a sufficiency of rich 
soil has been carried by the rains to afford them ample 
nourishment. Other parts of the banks sloped down 
to the river with a very steep descent, and the road by 
which the wagons descended to the ford, was seen 
winding in every direction, in order to render the de- 
scent as practicable as possible. I could with pleasure 
have devoted many days to sketching this bewitching- 
scenery. Every step we made seemed to bring forth 
fresh beauties, and solicited a fresh application to the 
portfolio. The difficulties and even the dangers of the 
road were forgotten or unheeded. I had been left 
a little way behind in taking a sketch, when turning an 
angle in the road on my pursuit after the wagon, I saw 
it some ^'^ards beneath me with the wheels uppermost, 
having overset and fallen over a descent of some feet, 
where it was arrested by some shrubs and rocks. The 
oxen had been liberated, and formed a picturesque 
group round the wreck of the wagon, while the drivers 
and attendant Hottentots, as well as the servants who 
had been employed in leading our saddle horses, com- 
pleted the picture, as they were endeavouring to 
collect the scattered cargo ; a more animated, and at 
the same time, a moi'e romantic scene never presented 
itself to an artist. 

" Our vehicle had received but little damage, being 
constructed of a very hard and durable wood; but our 
baggage suffered greatly, especially the more fragile 
l)arts, sucli as bottles and glasses. Providentially we 
were in tlie land of hospitality, and were well assured 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 577 

that we should want but little, at whatever place we 
might arrive for our night's lodging. This event 
therefore was considered of very little moment, being 
of very frequent occurrence, and it in no ways inter- 
rupted our pursuits, or our enjoyment of the sublime 
scenery around us, where every feature was of the 
grandest description. The contrast of form and colour 
in the several objects was striking to a degree ; 
and the whole seemed at the same time to be so de- 
lightfully harmonized, shade softening into shade, that 
our admiration was unbounded. The view from the west- 
ern summit included the ford and the Kayman's Gut, 
as the dark precipitous and very narrow mouth of the 
river is called, into which a heavy surf was rolling and 
expending its fury upon the cliffs on each side in clouds 
of foam ; while only a few hundred yards higher up, the 
water was of a glassy smoothness, reflecting the deep 
green tint of the foliage on its banks. The coast here 
is of very considerable elevation, perhaps more than 
six hundred feet, and the chasm through which this 
little stream finds its way to the sea is but a few yards 
in breadth, whilst the sides rising abruptly to this great 
height form an object of indescribable interest. The 
distant blue horizon of the sea viewed from the eleva- 
tion on which we were placed, cut the cliffs nearly two- 
thirds of the way up, and rendered our altitude more 
apparent. 

" The wagon having been put to rights, and all 
damages repaired by the never failing thongs of hide, 
we proceeded on our way down to the ford ; but to 
prevent a recurrence of disaster, it was carefully sup- 

2 p 



578 MEMOIR OF CiiAr. XVII. 

ported on each side by the whole party, and reached 
the stream in safety. The stream was just fordable by 
raising the baggage from the floor of the wagon ; it 
was rapid, but smooth. If the view from the summit 
of the hills w^hich overhang the banks of the Kayman 
was magnificent, that from the river was hardly less 
striking ; w^e stood there surrounded on all sides by 
precipices and steep acclivities, with deep woods of 
every hue, and no apparent outlet, except the chasm 
in which the waters of the river met the roaring surf ; 
the whole combined in forming a scene, beyond de- 
scription grand and interesting. 

" In ascending the opposite hills, the view, on looking 
back, was equally magnificent with that which we had 
previously enjoyed, although of a different kind. The 
Sw^artberg now formed the back ground, and was seen 
towering in great sublimity over those ravines, and the 
extensive plains by which they were separated ; and the 
road by which W' e had travelled, winding in a most re- 
markable manner round the apparently precipitous sides 
of the hills, excited our wonder that wheels could ever 
have passed through such a country. The occasional 
view of a wagon crawling along, with its enormous 
length of train, and its white canvass top, gave great 
life to the picture. In the course of three hours after 
leaving the Kayman's Gut, we came to another pass 
equally celebrated by travellers in this country, called 
the Fraka do Vrow, or the Maiden's Ford. It was 
not quite so steep as the Kay man's Gut, but, if possible, 
more striking, from the circumstance of the road de- 
scending into the depth of a forest of almost midnight 



Chap. XVIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 579 

darkness, in -wliicli the road wound for a considerable 
distance, shut out from the Hght of the sun. On ap- 
proaching the bottom, gleams of light were seen lighting 
up here and there a broken rock, or the moss-grown 
trunk of a tree, and sparkling in the ripple and foam of 
the brawhng torrent of deep green water, which formed 
the little river running through it. Near the ford the 
river expanded into a small lake, in the centre of which 
appeared a little verdant island, with cattle apparently 
grazing upon it ; but this, onour approach, was found to 
be only a shoal left dry by the diminution of the waters ; 
and the cattle belonged to a wagon, probably waiting 
for assistance to mount the hill. The effect, however, 
of these objects, with the chequered hght playing upon 
them through the broken mass of rock and foliage, was 
extremely beautiful. 

" The weather now suddenly changed from excessive 
heat to extreme cold, so that I could hardly stop to 
make a sketch of this romantic spot. Having ascended 
the eastern bank we came upon an excellent road, but 
intersected with many deep ravines. We reached 
Neepoth's farm at half-past three, where we dined ; and 
proceeded through a country almost as picturesque as 
that which we had passed, but not possessing the same 
grandeur of scenery. The weather too was unfavour- 
able to it. On approaching the widow Wren's, whose 
farm is situated in a valley near the Swartz River, we 
had a fine view of a magnificent forest, with a lake in 
front. The forest seemed to stretch to the sea coast 
on our right. We found the Swartz River too deep to 



580 MEMOIR OF Chap. XYII. 

ford, and had again to unload our wagon and float it 
over, crossing ourselves in a boat. 

" We slept here, and found it a most miserable 
abode. The night was very cold with rain, and there 
was no glass to the windows ; still every effort was 
made for our comfort by the kind hearted inhabitants 
of this wretched dwelling. They soon procured us a 
meal of salt mutton and salad, with tea ; and we 
managed to get through the night very tolerabh^ 
There was a very fine group of children, and we much 
regretted to see the family in such abject poverty. I 
sincerely hope the younger part have grown up to better 
fortune than that which seemed likely to await them. 

" In the course of our journey, when employing oxen 
for getting over the steep passes which our horses were 
unequal to eff'ect, I had often been struck by the man- 
ner in which the oxen were stimulated by being spoken 
to by name ; and I had at this place an opportunity of 
witnessing the manner in which they are taught to 
know it. There were two enclosures, surrounded by 
fences adjoining to each other, with a small wicket gate 
communicating between them. In one the cows are 
all arranged, tied to the fence at a few feet distance 
from each otlier, and into the other the calves are 
driven. A Hottentot stands at the wicket gate, and 
calls for a calf by a name which has frequently been 
repeated to him while sucking ; and if ho comes at the 
call, he is immediately rewarded by being taken to his 
mother. Should a wrong calf approach the wicket, he 
is beaten away. They soon learn to know when the 



Chap.xyii. sir jahleel brenton. 581 

voice is addressed to them, as becomes evident when 
the voice of the driver is heard ; and Boschman, or 
Dunker, or Engeland, &c., no sooner hear themselves 
addressed, than their efforts are very visible, as they 
know that inattention to the sound is always followed 
by the whip or goad. 

"At seven a.m. we proceeded on our journey, and 
soon crossed the Ruchti River, a few miles bej'^ond 
wdiich we came to the farm of Mr. Meeding, a most 
respectable, industrious man, whose wife, children, and 
houGo were all neat and cleanly. He was at this time 
building a new house, the frame of which only was up, 
and being prepared like those intended in England for 
w^hat is called ' brick nogging,' very much resembled 
a huge bird-cage. 

" In the preceding night they had caught a wild dog 
in a wolf trap. This is one of the most fearfully 
destructive animals in the country. They generally 
hunt in packs, spreading over a great breadth of 
ground, and having both scent and speed, it is very 
difficult for the object of their pursuit to escape them. 
In some districts they have almost exterminated the 
antelope tribe. The trap is a very simple contrivance, 
being a strong frame of about eight feet long, and four 
broad, and four or five in height, fixed firmly on the 
ground, and boarded over ; a hole for entering is left at 
one end, and a live sheep is tied at the further end. The 
wolf in trying to reach it unavoidably jDasses over a 
board, with which is connected a rope suspending a 
slicUng door ; the least touch is sufficient to cast it 



582 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

loose, and the door falling, the wolf is enclosed, without 
the possibility of escape, and is shot. 

" The farmers have also traps with spring guns, by 
which they kill many of these dangerous enemies of differ- 
ent descriptions. Colonel Graham had been sometime 
before at the house of a Boor, farther to the eastward, 
in a place much infested by lions, when he received the 
following detail of a circumstance which had recently 
taken place. The farmer, assisted by his Hottentot, 
had in the evening set one of these traps, and early the 
following morning he went to see if any animal had 
been taken in it. He used the precaution most provi- 
dentially of taking his gun with him, and coming to the 
place, observed that the trap had been sprung, and as a 
quantity of blood was on the ground near it, and traces 
of the same were seen leading to an adjoining thicket, he 
followed the track, looking cautiously before him, with 
his gun cocked, expecting to find the wounded ani- 
mal. Instead of that, to his great horror, he saw his 
unhappy servant actually lying under the paw of a 
huge lion, who was playing with him in the same 
manner that a cat acts with a mouse it has taken, 
previously to putting it to death. The farmer took a 
deliberate aim, and shot the lion through the head ; his 
death was instantaneous, and the Hottentot was rescued 
from his apparently inevitable fate, very little injured 
by the teeth of the lion, in being dragged from' the trap 
to the wood. The poor fellow it seems had been 
beforehand with his master in visiting the trap, but had 
not thought it necessary to arm himself. The blood 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 583 

on the ground was from the lion, which had been 
caught in the trap, and was supposed to have extricated 
himself by a sudden exertion on the approach of the 
Hottentot. 

" Soon after leaving Mr. Meeding's, we reached the 
Gowkamma, another stream, having its source in the 
Swartberg, and finding its way through broken crags 
and ravines, to the shores of the Knysna. Here we 
had a view of a little hamlet, delightfully situated in a 
valley at the foot of a gentle slope, covered with wood, 
with an extensive range of corn fields on each side, 
and in front. On a nearer approach the forest lost 
much of its imposing appearance, being composed 
chiefly of the milk-wood, and other stunted and insig- 
nificant trees. There was also an extensive marsh, 
which at first sight we took for pasturage ; but al- 
though the hamlet lost much of its importance on our 
reaching it, the scene was full of beauty. The banks 
of the Gowkamma were less steep than those of the 
Kayman, but at the same time highly picturesque. 
We were now approaching the country of the elephants 
and buffaloes ; both of these are dangerous at times, but 
the buff'alo is always so. Some time before, the horse of a 
Boor had been killed by one of these ferocious animals, 
whilst he providentially escaped, I believe, by taking 
to a tree. The event took place close to the house we 
were approaching, — Turnbull's. 

" From a hill which we ascended on the left bank of 
the Gowkamma, we got our first view of the Knysna, 
and splendid indeed was the prospect; this beautiful 
harbour, for such .it has proved to be, appearing like a 



584 MEMOIR OF Chap. XYIL 

large lake, with a very narrow entrance from the sea, 
enclosed on each side by high and rocky cliffs ; the 
eastern side of the lake clothed with magnificent for- 
ests to the water's edge, green and level islands dis- 
persed in various parts of the harbour, offering secure 
pasturage to herds of cattle. The western side of the 
Knysna is as bare and apparently barren as the oppo- 
site is fertile. Those who have only seen the Knysna 
from this spot would be justified in supposing that all 
entrance to it from the sea was impracticable. A range 
of breakers is seen apparently stretching quite across the 
mouth ; but this arises from rocky points running out 
from each shore, intersecting each other in the direction 
in which they are viewed. 

"On the left of the entrance, and on a gentle de- 
clivity sloping down to the water, stands the house of 
the principal proprietor of this part of the country, 
Mr. Rex. It is called Milkwood Kraal. The grounds 
round this delightful spot had all the appearance of a 
park, from the clumps of large trees dispersed over a 
wide extent of grass land. The house is beautifully 
situated, the high hills in the back ground are clothed 
with timber to the very summit ; it commands in front 
a view of the whole estuary of the Knysna, from the 
nearest part of which it is not half a mile distant. 
The water in the harbour is in general smooth as a 
small lake. 

" We reached the banks of this beautiful river at a 
place called the west ford, the only spot were it can be 
crossed in safety, and this only after half ebb. On the 
right bank is a small plain abounding in good pas- 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 585 

turage for cattle, and it is accordingly reserved for an 
out-span place. It is enclosed between an abrupt turn 
of the river and a range of hills to the northward, 
finely wooded. There is a farm on the rising ground 
overhanging a part of the stream, in a most romantic 
situation, surrounded by the most delightful scenery 
imaginable, in which every feature of the picturesque 
is combined; mountain and stream, cascade and still 
water, precipices, over-hanging rocks, and gentle de- 
clivities, all are included in the view, but so mingled as 
to excite universal admiration. 

" The water at the time of our reaching the ford 
being too high to enable us to pass on horseback, we 
availed ourselves of some wood wagons laden with 
planks, which were crossing, on which we got over dry, 
unloading our wagon and taking our baggage with us. 
From the left bank our road lay over a high hill, from 
which we had a prospect of the same character with 
those which had kept our admiration on the stretch for 
the last two days. On descending from this hill we 
had to cross a small stream running into the Knysna, 
from the eastward, called the east ford. From this 
place the river becomes nav^igable for small vessels, and 
a road runs along the banks of the Knysna for wagons 
up to Milkwood Kraal. It was at this time very bad, 
but capable of being made tolerable by carrying it 
further back, out of the reach of the high tides. A 
quantity of underwood skirting the forest must first be 
cleared away, after which the road might be made good 
with little labour. 

" We arrived at Mr. Rex's at three o'clock, and 



586 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

were received with the utmost hospitality. The arrival 
of the Cornelia Arnoldina, a small schooner belonging 
to Mr. Van Rienan, the following morning, was a 
remarkable coincidence. The moment we heard that 
she was in the offing, we mounted our horses and 
galloped to the eastern head, nearly two miles, where 
we had a fine view of her, entering with a light breeze, 
and the disadvantage of a heavy swell, occasioning a 
tremendous surf on the shore. She was loudly cheered 
by all our party, now tolerably numerous, as every one 
from Milkwood Kraal had collected to see her. The 
master had never been in before, nor had any one on 
board. He followed the direction of Mr. Walker, the 
master of the Dispatch, and found no difficulty. The 
appearance of this narrow inlet is certainly alarming. 
It is not nearly as wide as the entrance to St. John's 
Harbour, Newfoundland, which it much resembles ; and 
the projecting rocks on each side throwing back the 
breakers, spread the foam a great way over, and 
render the passage still more awful. But the vessel 
had no sooner entered the narrows than the tide sent 
her through with great velocity. The wreck of the 
Emu was lying under the eastern head, on the bank 
to which she had drifted after striking on the rock. 

" We next proceeded to inspect that part of the 
forest lying between the Poort and the sea. The 
Poort is a pass through the great forest, running over a 
very steep ridge, on each side of which are deep ravines, 
and others branching out from them in various direc- 
tions into the depth of the forest, all thickly wooded, and 
in some instances filled with very large timber trees. 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 587 

The slope from the ridge to the right is more gradual 
than that on the other side, and leads to the forest of 
Springfield, where the greater part of the timber for the 
Dutch and English governments has been cut from 
the earliest period. On the left a part of the forest 
overhangs some tremendous ravines, from whence it 
had hitherto been deemed impossible to get out the 
noble timber which is growing in them. In the 
present state of abundance, it is not necessary perhaps 
to make the effort, but should a scarcity of valuable 
timber ever be felt, there is little doubt of the energy 
of the Dutch settlers procuring it from situations even 
still more difficult. We were accompanied in this in- 
spection by Mr. Rex and Mr. Squire, the naval Resi- 
dent and Inspector, and by several active and intelligent 
wood-cutters, and were highly gratified with the 
opportunity thus afforded us, of forming a judgment 
respecting the means which this part of the forest held 
out, for a supply of timber and plank, for naval, 
colonial, and commercial purposes. 

" We returned to Mr. Rex's with the intention of 
setting out early on the following day, on a visit to that 
part of the great forest lying between the Knysna and 
the Gawkamma, called the Levenbosch. Mr. Rex had 
recommended this place as best calculated to supply 
the demands made by the Navy, now that the entrance 
of the Knysna had been found practicable, as the 
timber might be brought down to tlic west ford with 
ease. 

" This part of the forest lies upon the western slope 
of the range of hills, and there are none of those 



588 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

precipitous ravines which intersect the country in almost 
all other directions ; so that an admirable timber road 
would soon be formed from thence to the river ; even by 
dragging the logs as they were cut over the hard soil of 
which the surface of the intervening ground is formed, 
the distance from the Knysna being only five miles. 
We accordingly began our excursion on the morning of 
the 18th. We found in the forest timber of every size 
and description, but particularly the Stink wood so 
much required for naval purposes. T shall reserve 
what we have to say on the subject of timber in general 
for a chapter intended to be devoted to that purpose, 
confining myself for the present to a brief account of 
our journey, and to a description of the impressions 
made upon us by the first view of this extraordinary 
country. T quite concurred with Mr. Rex in the 
opinion that whatever establishment I might be per- 
mitted to form, for the purpose of procuring timber for 
the Navy, should be in the Levenbosch ; and I decided 
accordingly upon placing it there ; having the tim- 
ber carried to the west ford, and from thence floated 
down to the east ford, the place intended to embark it 
from ; where also I proposed to have a depot of timber, 
and a slip for building vessels. 

" We found here a few wood-cutters with their huts 
on the skirts of the wood ; they were employed in sawing 
planks and cutting beams for household purposes. It 
is impossible to conceive a more wretched degree of 
mismanagement and want of energy than this little 
settlement oflci-cd to our observation. In the first 
place it was made at an unnecessary distance from the 



Chap. XVII. SIH JAHLEEL BRENTON. 589 

forest, in consequence of which, the trees when felled, 
were brought to the pit wdtli much more labour and 
expence than was needful. Tn the next place, in 
order to procure a beam of nine inches square, a tree 
of eighteen inches diameter when stripped of its bark 
was taken and lined out, leaving the beam required in 
the very heart of the tree, and cutting off all the 
strength in the side slabs. These again became offal wood, 
in consequence of the manner in wdiich they were taken 
off; not being sawn, but chopped as Robinson Crusoe is 
described to have prepared his plank. 

" One of the Boors who had set up his party here, 
had come unprovided with the means of supporting 
them; depending as he said upon finding a supply of 
corn in the neighbourhood; although he must have 
known, that the inhabitants never grew sufficient for 
their own use. He was obliged in consequence to take 
his slaves, his wagon, and his oxen a journey of five 
days to procure what he wanted; and at the end of 
this period he was equally unsuccessful ; for without 
any previous enquiry he proceeded to the Gauritz 
River, in order to get a load of corn from a relative, 
which he expected to have at a low price. The rela- 
tive had none to spare, and with great difficulty he got 
a supply elsewhere. To this expedition of ten days 
in time, was to be added the injury done to his cattle 
and wagon in passing such formidable places as the 
Traka de Vrow, the Kayman's Gut, &c. He acknow- 
ledged to have lost two of his oxen. Such improvidence 
was but too frequent among the Boors. 

" On our way to the woods I observed two small 



590 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

patches of wheat, apparently in excellent order, but 
lying at a great distance from each other. On enquiry 
I found that they both produced a fair amount of 
crop ; that the spots had not been selected on account 
of any particular quality in the soil ; but that the whole of 
the plains over which we were passing to the forest 
was of the same description, and might with a very 
little trouble be made equally productive ; and yet 
there was neither energy nor judgment sufficient 
among these people to induce them to devote the 
labour of their slaves and cattle, for one week in the 
year, to growing corn here, instead of passing many 
weeks on the road in search of it. 

" In passing the Knysna this day, both Colonel 
Warre and his Hottentot had a narrow escape. We 
were fording the river on horseback, and the Colonel and 
his man having diverged a little from the direction in 
which the others of the party were following the 
steps of their guide, both disappeared ; the top of the 
Colonel's hat, and the floating carcase of his attendant 
only appearing above water. We had scarcely time 
to feel alarmed, when they were seen to emerge from 
the river, and to gain the bank. They had fallen into 
a deep hole, of which many exist in the bed of the 
river, and render it very dangerous to strangers. A 
smart gallop of some miles soon dried their clothes 
again, and restored the Colonel at least to comfort ; 
tliat of the Hottentot probably had never been inter- 
rupted." 

The narrative of the journey closes here, and though 
tliat journey terminated, as has been already stated, un- 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 591 

der circumstances so distressing to a parent's mind, the 
observations which were made during its progress, and 
the information which was gained, were not lost sight of 
afterwards or neglected. Sir Jahleel brought back with 
him strong convictions of the importance of the Cape 
as a Colony ; while at the same time the misery which 
he had seen in some of the settlers, and the general 
want of that, without which earthly prosperity is 
but a very doubtful advantage, led to long and reiterated 
efforts for the improvement of the Colony, both in a 
religious and commercial view. And these efforts 
might have been attended with the happiest effects, had 
they been appreciated and received as they ought to 
have been. 

Perhaps it is not saying more than is due to the 
profession to which he belonged, that if ever patriotic 
feelings were really and effectively developed, it was 
among the officers of the Navy at the close of the last 
war. Accustomed to traverse the whole surface of the 
globe in their country's cause ; conscious that the 
character, the interests, the security of their country 
were entrusted to them individually; they looked at 
every thing in this connection, and considered how it 
might be turned towards the public good. The dream 
of universal empire never crossed their minds, but the 
hope of universal influence was unquestionably theirs ; 
and while the liberties of the world seemed to find their 
best defence from the flag of Britain, it was not un- 
natural that men thus formed, and educated in their 
country's service, should identify the world's Avelfarc 
with the extension of their country's power, and think 



592 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

that every increase of British influence was a fresh 
security for the happiness of mankind. 

The Journal which has been just presented to the 
Reader is no inadequate exhibition of the spirit which 
was at that time so characteristic of the British Nav}^ 
and which made every officer ahve to the means of 
enlarging or strengthening the resources of his country. 

Sir Jahleel perhaps may be thought to have had an 
official duty to perform ; and to have been required as 
Naval Commissioner to remark on the resources which 
the colony included, and which might be called for by 
the Arsenal at Simon's Town. But it is evident that 
his views were extended beyond any such temporary 
advantage ; and that he delighted in describing the 
resources of the colony, while regarding it as a con- 
stituent part of the empire, as offering fresh fields for 
the diffusion of the power and influence of Great 
Britain, and of the numberless blessings connected with 
the principles Avhich seem belonging to that influence. 
He anticipated the moment when the varied surface of 
its territory might be brought into cultivation by the 
energy and intelligence of British settlers, and a fresh 
field for the manufacturing industry of the mother 
country might be opened in the prosperity of the 
colony. He saw what the country was, its natural 
advantages and capabihties ; and he wished to see 
those advantages improved, and those capabihties em- 
ployed, by the introduction of an active, intelligent, and 
well principled population. Above all he looked for- 
ward to a time, when under the influence of the gospel, 
and through its stated ministrations, that wilderness 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 593 

might be made to blossom as a rose, and the desert be 
like the garden of the Lord. He saw that the settlers 
scattered as they were along the line of coast, and sur- 
rounded as they were with a redundancy of the means 
of subsistence, were still, if contemplated in a higher 
sense, like sheep scattered in a wilderness, cut off by 
distance from all opportunity of religious observances, 
and separated from every influence that could restrain 
or regulate their inclinations. The occasional insight 
that he had gained into their domestic arrangements, 
supplied a painful contrast with the external welfare of 
their condition ; and he brought back with him the 
conviction, that no real improvement of the Colony 
could be effected, unless something was done for the 
moral and religious improvement of the people. His 
feehngs naturally led him to look to the Church of 
England, as the agency by which this good work should 
be undertaken ; and it would have been well for the 
Colony, if the Church of England had had the power 
of extending its influence so far ; or if the Government 
of the mother country would at once have given to the 
church, the power of amalgamating and uniting to 
herself, the distant dependencies of the Empire. Had 
the suggestions which Sir Jahleel Brenton then addres- 
sed to the Bishop of London been adopted, had some 
large and comprehensive scheme for the religious 
organization of the Colony been introduced, it is hardly 
necessary to say, that the affairs of the Cape of Good 
Hope would have stood on a very different footing from 
that which they occupy now ; and that the painful and 
insurrectionary movements which have retarded its 

2 Q 



594 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIT. 

advance, and which have sown widely and deeply the 
seeds of future trouble, might have probably been 
avoided. Had schools and churches been generally 
built, and provided for at the time of which we write, 
the population of the country would by this time have 
assumed a more stable and advanced character. 
Settlers of a superior quahty, and in larger numbers 
would have been attracted to the Colony. The old 
inhabitants would have been more attached to the 
British Government, and the Hottentot population 
would have been reclaimed. The transition from 
slavery to freedom in their case would have been more 
completely accomplished, and with less disturbance to 
the prejudice of the Boors. The influence of law would 
have been generally felt throughout the province, 
and civilization would have proceeded more rapidly, 
while it was pressed on principles which all could 
recognize, and which all felt to be beneficial to them- 
selves. 

But it was not likely that a man situated as Sir 
Jahleel Brenton was, should know the difficulties which 
beset every endeavour to do good, and the obstacles 
which in every old and remote government retard or 
hinder the efl'orts of benevolent individuals. He did 
however what he ought, for he did what he could. He 
addressed to the one Bishop, who by a strange legal 
fiction was supposed to be charged with the spiritual 
care of the Colonies, a letter on the subject ; pointing 
out what he had seen, and suggesting the steps which 
he thought it would be desirable to take. That the 
letter was read and acknowledged by the venerable 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 595 

individual to wliom it was addressed, there can be no 
doubt ; though no copy of the Bishop's answer remains. 
That it excited in his mind a deep and painful feehng, 
by the mention of a destitution which he could not 
relieve, and of opportunities which he could not improve, 
may be assumed as equally certain ; and though no 
result followed ; and though this was to be numbered 
among the many efforts which it would seem must in 
every case be made, before any thing of real importance 
is to be accomplished ; it still is due to the subject of 
this memoir, that this instance of his zeal should meet 
with a record here, if it has obtained no better record in 
the effects which it produced. 

TO THE LORD BISHOP OF LONDON. 

" Cape of Good Hope, 24 March, 1818. 
" My Lord, 

" My professional duty as Commissioner of His 
Majesty's Navy resident in this Colony, lately induced me to take 
a journey through the south eastern parts of it, in order to visit a 
port recently discovered at the mouth of the river Knysna ; and in 
the course of it, I have made such observations upon the state of 
the country, through which I have passed, with respect to its inha- 
bitants, as appear to be deserving of your Lordship's notice. Un- 
der such an impression I take the liberty of offering them, in the 
conviction that should they open any means of extending the influ- 
ence of the Church of England, and consequently of diffusing the 
knowledge of the gospel, your Lordship will excuse the intrusion. 
" Throughout the whole extent of country between Hottentots 
Holland and Plattenberg Bay, there are but three clergymen, viz. 
one at Caledon, one at Georges, and the third at Zwellendam. 
The population exceeds seven thousand, and is constantly increas- 
ing. The dwellings of the inhabitants, generally speaking, are 



59 G MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIL 

scattered through these districts at such a distance from the places 
above mentioned, that very few can form a part of the weekly 
cono^resfation. The farmers have no means of instruction within 
themselves ; in some few instances a schoolmaster is kept in the 
family, or rather a person, who can barely read and write, of low 
origin, and often of vicious habits. Books of any description 
except the Bible (and not always that) are seldom to be seen in 
their houses. The Boors of this colony are by no means deficient 
in capacity, or good dispositions; on the contrary, I have generally 
remarked amongst them great intelligence, much frankness, and 
disinterestedness ; and their hospitality is a theme of praise with 
all who have had recourse to it. 

'* Their defects and privations arise from inveterate prejudices, 
inherited from the early colonists, and fostered by the state of gross 
ignorance, in which they have been brought up. 

" No amelioration can lake place whilst these obstacles exist ; 
and I feel convinced they can only be removed by religious in- 
struction. No legislative measures for the improvement of the 
country (of which it is greatly susceptible) can be efficacious, until 
the understandings of these people are made parties in the cause. 
At present, they are in direct hostility to any change however ad- 
vantageous. The radical evil, I consider to be the state of slavery 
in this country, or rather the manner in which this wretched class 
of men are viewed by the colonists. The slaves here labour under 
disabilities which I believe are peculiar to this country. They are, 
by the existing laws of the colony, prohibited from becoming 
Christians and from marrying. 

"The first of these cruel restrictions has in a few instances been 
dispensed with, but the latter never. On the contrary it is most 
pertinaciously adhered to. The effect of such laws is but too evi- 
dent, not only to the judgment, but to experience. The first gives 
the utmost facility to the diffusion of the Mahometan tenets, 
whilst it impedes the progress of Christianity ; and the most im- 
moral and pernicious consequences inevitably result from the lat- 
ter. These are too obvious and too well known to admit of their 
being dwelt upon. 1 will only' observe that the youth of some of 



Chap. XVXI. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 597 

the most opulent families, are, in consequence of such a system 
brought up, in total abandonment of those principles, from which 
alone they can ever be expected to become worthy and exemplary 
fathers of families. The most unquestionable authority may be 
referred to in support of these observations. Many of the princi- 
pal slave proprietors, it is notorious, give a preference to their 
slaves being Mahometans instead of Christians ; in the first place, 
because they conceive that it induces sobriety ; and in the next, as 
it gives them a power over their female slaves which is incompa- 
tible with Christianity. These practices, which in the educated 
colonists are to be viewed with just abhorrence, must amongst the 
illiterate Boors be deplored as the effect of dark ignorance. A 
total reformation of the former class I consider as almost hopeless. 
They may be awed by the expression of public reproach, but the 
inclination wdll remain, and every means will be resorted to, to 
retain their power. With the latter class (the great majority) it 
is very different. They err from want of knowing better, and I 
am convinced possess feelings which, if properly directed, would 
glorify their God, and bring down his blessings upon their 
country. The disposition of the present government of this 
colony to annihilate these evils, is all that can be wished. Re- 
peated efforts have been made by his Excellency the Governor, to 
ameliorate the situation of the slaves, and lower classes ; but his 
power is not sufficient to produce the desired effect. The persons 
of influence amongst the colonists are too jealous of the articles ot 
capitulation to hear of the smallest alteration being made in these 
laws; they instantly take the alarm, and join unanimously to reject 
every idea of improvement, which they suspect may in any way, 
however remote, interfere with their interests ; and their slaves are 
considered as the most valuable part of their property. All hopes 
of reform must be derived from the exertions of the mother 
country ; not by an infringement of its engagements with the colon- 
ists, but by earnest recommendations and persevering efforts to 
increase the Christian population ; by the instruction of the Hot- 
tentots and Negroes, as well slaves as free. 1 am prepared to find 
that the first endeavours may not be greatly succesi^ful, but (hey 



598 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

will gradually increase in influence, and the public mind, may in 
the meantime be improved and enlightened by religious instruction. 
The success of the Moravians at their establishment, for the con- 
version and civilization of the Hottentots at Bavian's Kloof, which 
I visited on my journey, affords the strongest encouragement to 
similar efforts being made by the Church of England. The con- 
templation of the truly benign effects, resulting from the mild and 
patient conduct of these excellent people — the rapid progress their 
converts were making in religion, aud in the acquisition of the 
comforts of life, first excited in me the wish to address your Lord- 
ship, firmly impressed with the conviction, that one amiable, bene- 
volent, and consistent clergyman of the Church of England, would 
in the course of a very short time, produce effects equally salutary 
not only on the poor and destitute inhabitants of the colony ; but 
that his influence would extend to the wealthy farmer, and his 
dependents. The expence of such an undertaking need not be 
great. A certain extent of land given, in the first instance, by the 
Crown, for a Church and Glebe, and another for distribution 
amongst free persons of every description, whether Europeans, 
Hottentots, Negroes, or Malays, might be granted whenever 
required. These settlers should be assisted in the infancy of the 
institution with a small — but a very small — portion of capital, so 
as to enable them to provide articles of the first necessity, such as 
clothes, furniture, implements for building, cattle, and corn for the 
first year, the amount of which might be paid off" by very moderate 
instalments. 

" I am firmly convinced, my Lord, that the happiest effects 
would very soon result from such an undertaking. It would be 
no wild speculation, but one that must be of essential benefit to the 
colony, and thence to the mother country, for the expences would in 
a short time be defrayed by increase of trade, and national proper- 
ty. I beg leave to give your Lordship an instance of the value 
that becomes immediately attached to land in this colony, when 
put under cultivation, or rather when it is only in contemplation to 
cultivate it. 

" The |)r(»pri('tors of different estates in Hottentots Holland, 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 599 

about thirty miles from the Cape, were desirous of building a 
church to which their families might resort on the Sabbath, instead 
of having a journey of twelve miles to perform, in going to the 
church at Stellenbosch. A piece of ground was selected for the 
purpose, and purchased by subscription for 23,000 guilders; a por- 
tion of it was marked out for the church, another for the clergy- 
man's house and garden, and as there remained a considerable 
quantity beyond what was required for these purposes, it was sold 
by auction in small lots, for building houses near the church, and 
brought the extraordinary price of 161,000 guilders. A similar 
effect, although probably not so great in degree, will result when- 
ever a Government establishment may take place. By building 
and endowing a church, Government would be enabled to sell the 
contiguous ground so advantageously, as to remunerate them for 
all the expences ; and by sending inhabitants from England for 
these new settlements, the chief want of the colony would be sup- 
plied, that of population; whilst numbers now starving and desti- 
tute in the mother country would be provided for, and the poor 
rates relieved in proportion. But what is of still greater import- 
ance, the Christian religion would be promoted in every part of 
this extensive colony. An establishment of this kind would be 
particularly desirable in the vicinity of the Knysna, of Mossel 
Bay, and the Brede River. The Knysna and the Brede River 
are secure and valuable ports, only ascertained to be such within 
the last two years, and Mossel Bay, may at a very trifling expence 
become such in a very short time. They are all situated in fertile 
corn countries. The Knysna has the additional advantage of being 
in the immediate vicinity of an extensive and valuable forest, where 
timber for building the largest ships is to be had in abundance and 
with facility. 

" Upon an attentive consideration of all these circumstances, I 
cannot resist the impulse I feel to enti-eat your Lordship's notice 
of them, and that you would be pleased to recommend the mea- 
sure of even one Clergyman of the Church of England being sent 
out, and established in either of the places above mentioned, with 
a very limited number of poor families from England, by way of 



600 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIL 

an experiment^ upon the success of whicli may depend the exten- 
sion of the plan. 

" The sum required for such a beginning as might settle twenty- 
families in comfort, need not exceed one thousand pounds sterling, 
including their passage out to this country. The materials for 
building, if in the neighbourhood of the Knysna, are to be had, as 
well as fuel, without any other expence than that of labour; the 
soil is excellent, easily cultivated, and may provide for any num- 
ber of inhabitants after the first year. Meat is at two pence half- 
penny sterling the pound, and would be considerably cheaper, were 
the families sufficiently numerous to share an ox among them. 
The whole of their labour will be necessarily required during the 
first year of their establishment to provide for their immediate 
wants ; but in the second, many may begin to pay off" the sums 
which have been advanced to them, by cutting timber for Govern- 
ment, or in any other way in which their industry may turn to 

account. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

« JAHLEEL BRENTON." 
" To THE Bishop of London," 

But if these efforts for public improvement were 
unsuccessful, a mind like that of Sir Jahleel Brenton 
(lid not suffer the disappointment to cool his ardour, or 
to check similar endeavours. He had done what he 
could in that direction, and when he failed there, he did 
what he could in another. Some men offended at the 
indifference with which these representations were 
received, might have given up all attempt at doing 
good ; and considered themselves as justified in their 
inactivity by the treatment they had met with. But 
the religion by which he lived, had taught him 
])atiencc, and the spirit of the i)rofession he belonged to 
liad given liim perseverance. His desire to do good 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 601 

remained unbroken, and the failure of one scheme, 
merely turned his attention to others, which seemed 
more within his reach, and less dependent on the sup- 
port to be derived from distant friends ; for while 
there was no object so great, which he would not have 
endeavoured to grasp for the sake of doing good to 
others, there was no evil so trifling which his sensibihty 
was not ready to notice. It may easily be supposed 
then, that the black servants of such a family would 
not be neglected ; but that they would be carefully taught 
the principles of that religion, the fruits of which the}^ 
saw exhibited in their master's daily practice. The ob- 
servance of the sabbath naturally became more strict as 
the importance of its employments w^as more distinctly 
understood ; and though the kindness of Sir JahleeFs 
character, as well as the simplicity of his religious views, 
saved the sabbath from all appearance of rigour, and 
rendered it in the fullest sense of the word a dehght to 
every one within his influence ; he could not but see 
more clearly the necessity of a strict observance of the 
institution, as he felt the difficulty of inculcating the 
knowledge of religion on the uneducated and half 
civilized nativ^es. Men of various countries and of 
diflerent dispositions were here placed under his 
charge ; either as domestic servants, or as labourers in 
the Dockyard. Each, according to the opportunity 
which their situation offered, were made the objects of 
his christian kindness and care ; and many it is hoped 
carried into other services, or into other lands, the seed 
which had been sown through his instruction, and the 
impression that had been made on tlieir hearts by liis 



602 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

example. Of all these, the most singular, and perhaps 
at one time the most hopeful, was a lad belonging to 
that strange and degraded tribe called the Bushmen, to 
whom the name of Hermes had been given, and who 
w^as well known among the friends of Sir Jahleel in 
England by this significant denomination. Dr Barry, 
the talented young Physician who was mentioned above, 
as having attended Lady Brenton during her last 
illness, had rescued this boy, when a mere child, from 
the tyranny of a Dutch woman, his mistress, who 
abusing the power which the law gave her over a slave, 
was about to commit him to prison on account of some 
trifling theft, which he had been guilty of. Dr. Barry, 
touched with compassion at the boy's appearance, 
ransomed him from slavery, and was then glad to con- 
sign his purchase to the care of his benevolent patron. 
The boy thus admitted into Sir JahleeFs family, gave 
remarkable evidences of intelligence and quickness. 
Irritable and revengeful when wronged, he was in no 
ordinary degree attached and grateful when treated 
kindly ; and his readiness of answer, and activity, 
made him a general favourite in the house ; while his 
docility, and rapidity of comprehension encouraged 
hopes, that this child of the wilderness might be sent 
back as a messenger of peace, and a heraLl of mercy to 
liis persecuted and bcniglitcd countrymen. 

With Sir Jahleel this boy came to England, whoi'e 
the peculiarity of his a|)pcarance (for of all the sections 
of the human race, the Bushman most nearly resem- 
]>los tlic monkey) attracted general observation ; and 
ill his family he remained discharging with correctness 



Chap. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 603 

the several duties of a domestic servant ; subject to no 
other interruption than that which his vivacity and 
quickness of temper contrived to draw from the common 
occurrences of the day. One of these may be men- 
tioned, as exhibiting the character of the boy's mind, 
and the strength of feeUng which may exist even in the 
most uncouth representation of our nature. A Lady of 
rank who had heard of Hermes, expressed so strong a 
wish to see him, that he was sent to her house ; and 
under the directions that had been left, was turned 
into the drawing room, where the lady intended to 
meet him. Poor Hermes who had never been in such 
a place before, looked round with wonder on articles of 
luxury, of which he hardly knew the use ; and at last, 
when his mind was bewildered by the splendour of the 
scene, turning suddenly round he beheld an object still 
more astonishing than sofas, and tables, and porcelain 
vases, a Bushboy of his own height and colour, looking 
at him with features of surprise. To dart towards his 
brother, and to rush into his embraces, was the act of a 
moment. A loud crash was heard, the servants hurried 
into the room ; a large pier glass was found shivered, 
and Hermes lying stunned with the blow, and senseless 
on the floor. It is hardly necessary to say, that the 
bushboy was the figure of Hermes reflected in a glass 
which reached to the ground, and that the illusion arose 
from the fact, that he had never before seen his own 
figure exhibited in such a manner. 

It is satisfactory to know that the hopes entertained 
concerning this lad have not been entirely frustrated. 
After having remained some time in England, after liav- 



604 MEMOIK OF Chap. XVII. 

iug acquired and adopted all the usages of civilized life, 
and apparently overcome his earlier propensities; the 
irritability of his temper and restlessness rendered it 
inconvenient to retain him in the family; and as his 
health was suffering from the climate of England, it was 
thought expedient to send him back to the Cape, and 
to place him in such a situation there, as might maintain 
the influence of his new habits, and prepare him for 
future usefulness in the country. It was reported that 
the original nature of the boy had resumed its sway, when 
he was placed in his original situation. It was said that 
he had disappeared from the Colony, plunged again into 
the bush, and become the wild timid wanderer that he 
had been ; but the Editor is happy to add, that recent in- 
formation received from the Cape, describes Hermes as 
settled in a respectable situation there, and as retaining 
a lively and grateful recollection of the kindness he ex- 
perienced from his former master. 

In these benevolent employments Sir Jahleel formed 
the acquaintance of the Rev. Dr. Philip, who has long 
filled the important situation of Missionary to the Cape, 
in connexion with the London Missionar}^ Society, and 
whose name is well known to every one acquainted with 
the progress of missions in Africa, and as generally and 
deservedly respected. His acquaintance with Dr. 
FMiilip docs not appear to have taken place before 
Lady I^rcnton's death; but the common interest they 
took in all measures for the improvement of mankind, 
soon after that time produced an intimacy, which led to 
inucli and confidential correspondence; and this corres- 
pondence was probably vci-y beneficial to Sir Jahleel at 



Chap XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. ()05 

this period in his life. His rehgious convictions liad 
been gradually gaining strength, and his religious vie\vs 
acquiring maturity. He had seen the insufficiency of 
that formal religion, which, at first, had been contem- 
plated as the end and object to be aimed at ; and the 
regular study of the Scriptures, combined with other 
books, and particularly that of Mr. Wilberforce's Essay 
on Practical Christianity, had enabled him to take a 
wider and a juster view of the privileges and require- 
ments of the gospel, than he at first possessed. Trials, 
repeated trials, had been the blessed means by which 
these clearer views of truth were made matters of expe- 
rience. He knew in whom he had believed. He had 
felt that there was a power in the gospel, by which he 
had been enabled to overcome the world, and to realize 
in himself a change, which, at an earlier period of his 
life, he might have thought visionary, or improbable. 
He had resigned to the God who gave it, the blessing 
which up to that moment had seemed to be the sub- 
stance of happiness, the object on which the warmest 
feelings of his heart had been centered ; and in which 
he had experienced as much of earthly comfort as 
usually falls to the lot of man ; and he had found that 
he could resign it, and still have such comfort within 
his reach, as enabled him cheerfully to fulfil the duties 
of his office, and to go on rejoicing in the hope of a 
more perfect rest, a more abiding happiness hereafter. 
To a mind thus constituted, and thus prepared, led by 
a gradual process to the knowledge of the truth as 
it is in Jesus, and having had that knowledge proved 
by trial, and confirmed by experience, the interco\u\se 



006 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII. 

of one like Dr. Philip, a man advanced in spiritual 
things, and familiarized with the difficulties which beset 
the behever's path, must have been welcome, if not ne- 
cessary ; and it was natural, therefore, that under the 
circumstances in which Sir Jahleel was placed, the so-^ 
ciety and counsel of Dr. PhiHp should be sought with 
that peculiar eagerness with which an aw^akened mind, 
and a wounded spirit are apt to seek the only consola- 
tions that meet their wants. On the other hand it was 
equally natural that Dr. Philip should be struck by the 
characteristic openness and integrity of the Commission- 
er, and that he should be drawn towards him by that 
irresistible charm, which the sweetness of his temper 
threw over his conversation and address. He must 
likewise have felt, that in the position which he himself 
occupied at the Cape, where he was viewed with cold- 
ness by the Government, and with jealousy and hatred 
by the Boors, who suspected the effect that his mission- 
ary efforts would have on the Hottentot population, and 
imagined that every attempt to raise that degraded 
race was a wrong to themselves, and an injury to their 
interests ; the friendship and patronage of a man of 
high professional character, and holding a distinguished 
government office, was a help of no ordinary magnitude, 
and might have been regarded, at the time, as a support 
vouchsafed by providence. But it is certain that he 
must soon have found, in the state of Sir Jahleel's 
mind, in the anxiety of his enquiries, and in the sinceri- 
ty of his pursuit of truth, the grounds for a deeper and 
more abiding fcehng ; and he nmst have rejoiced, that in 
a country where tlicrc was much to sadden a Cliristian's 



CuAP. XVII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. GO 7 

heart, there was one case before him, where the grace 
of God was so manifestly working, and where the fruits 
of the Spirit were so largely brought forth. Acquain- 
tance under such circumstances soon ripened into friend- 
ship. They found themselves, in many cases, united in 
one common work ; and still more frequently, the only 
two who felt alike on the subjects that came before 
them ; and each had reason to rejoice in the associate 
thus unexpectedly discovered. A long correspondence 
on religious questions is still preserved ; but as the 
letters are chiefly occupied in the discussion of books, 
which had then recently appeared, but are now gene- 
rally known, it does not seem necessary to repeat re- 
marks or arguments, which must be familiar to most, 
and which do not tend directly to illustrate the charac- 
ter of the writers. 

Of these. Dr. Chalmers' address to the inhabitants of 
Kilmaney seems to have engaged a large share of their 
attention ; and there can be little doubt that the inter- 
course which was thus maintained, and the free dis- 
cussion of the great and momentous truths which were 
involved in these subjects, tended to clear Sir JahleeFs 
views on the essential doctrines of the gospel, and to 
give the same correctness to his theory of religion, which 
had long been exhibited in its practical application. 

The Works of John Newton had been a fovour- 
ite study with him. To them he owed much of what 
he had learned ; in them he met with the breathings of 
a heart, congenial to his own, and the records of an ex- 
perience which might have reminded him of his own 
trials ; and in Dr. Philip he not only found a man of 



GO 8 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVII 

a kindred spirit with Newton ; but one who had had 
the advantage of personal knowledge, and easy confi- 
dential intercourse with him. One letter of Dr. Philip's, 
therefore, it seems allowable to introduce, not merely as 
exhibiting the tone of correspondence between him and 
the subject of this memoir, but also on account of the 
original and characteristic sketch which it gives of the 
venerable old man w^hose writings they are discussing. 



^' My dear Sir Jahleel, 

" I am ashamed when I look at the date of your last 
kind letter; you must think me a very poor correspondent, I 
scarcely know what apology to make. I cannot altogether begin 
with the old stale excuse ^ I have been so busy that I could 
attend to nothing but what forced itself upon me/ for there have 
been several days in which I have done nothing, if I except the 
ordinary routine of business in the way of writing. The truth is, 
I have lately been under the necessity of writing so much, that I 
have contracted such an aversion to writing, such a horror of 
mental exertion, that the very thought of doing anything which 
requires application of mind is ready almost to turn me sick. I 
do not know whether you can sympathize with me in this, shall 
I call it loathing of exertion, this mental despondency. 

" Accept of my best thanks for your introductory letter to the 
Admiral j it was very gratifying to my worthy friend, and after 
what Admiral Lambert has heard from Captain Vernon and 
others, he will be pleased to see our African traveller and his 
curiosities. I mentioned to Mr. Campbell, that if Buonaparte 
had heard of him and his horn, they might be sent for to Long- 
wood. He was flattered by the joke. 

" In my former letter I believe I informed you, that I was 
busy correcting Mr. Campbell's Journal. My labours have been 
more connected with blotting, than with filling up; but if I have 
not addrd niuc.li lo its bonuly, I have pared off things, which 



Chap. XYII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 609 

might have offended — deformities ^ and reduced it to a more 
reasonable size than my worthy friend would have been disposed 
to confine it to, had he been left to follow his own judgment. 
Mr. Campbell is a man of sterling principle, he lives with God, 
and he would not for the world do what he might consider as an 
unjust, or a dishonourable thing : but when we can say all this 
for him, as a man, and as a Christian, we must confess we cannot 
say so much for him as a writer of Travels. 

" I am not at present in possession of Newton's Works, and 
the passage respecting which you ask my opinion, I do not 
recollect ; but I perfectly agree with him, that a continuance in 
sin is inconsistent with assurance. But it must be wilful trans- 
gression which Mr. Newton intends in this passage. I have 
known few men more sensible of the depravity of human nature 
than Mr. Newton was. The language he used respecting himself 
was always expressive of the deepest abasement and humility. 
Complaining to him one day of the badness of my own heart, he 
comforted me rather in a singular way, by assuring me that if I 
had lived as long as he had done, I should feel ten times more of 
it. ^ I know,' said he, * more evil of my own heart in one day, 
than I know of the greatest profligate I have ever known.' I 
think he was seventy-two years of age when he used this lan- 
guage, and yet while he had those views of himself, he had the 
firmest assurance. It was the same morning he expressed himself 
in this manner, that he observed to me, ^ I am like a ship waiting 
the first fair wind to carry her out of port ; I have everything on 
board, I am quite ready for sea. I never lay my head down at 
night, but I feel it matter of indifference whether I awake in 
this AYorld or the next.' 

^' I must confess, though I have failed to make the matter so 
intelligible as I could have wished, that there is to my apprehen- 
sion some difference between Mr. Newton and Dr. Chalmers, in 
the Kilmaney address on this point. The one requires certain 
things should be done to prepare us for the consolations of the 
Gospel, the other brings us to the Saviour for those consolations, as 
necessary to enable us to do those things. The difference is most 
visible in the fii'st approaches of the penitent to the Saviour for 
consolation ; although all through Mr. Newton's writings it 
appears to me, the amiable saint was more intimately, and ex- 

2 R 



610 MEMOIR OF CuAP. XVII. 

perimeiitally acquainted with the way of access to God, and the 
grounds of a sinner's peace with God, than Dr. Chalmers was, 
when he wrote the address in question. 

" If a man oppresses the fatherless and the widow, if he ac- 
cumulates a fortune by unrighteousness, or if he has done these 
things, or things of a similar nature without repentance and 
restitution as far as in his power, he can have no claim to the 
consolations of the Gospel ; but a man may feel a constant 
invasion of vain thoughts, the burden of a worldly spirit, evil 
passions occasionally struggling for the mastery ; and still have 
the comfort of assurance. If sin is the cause of grief, if it is 
resisted, it is not inconsistent with a lively hope in the mercy of 
God. The sin which grieves us, and is resisted, says an old writer, 
will not condemn us. I frequently feel these evils. I feel that in my 
flesh dwelleth no good thing. I frequently feel cold and formal 
in my devotions, and these feelings occasionally disturb my peace ; 
but I invariably feel my consolations restored by a renewed appli- 
cation to the blood of Christ. If any man confess his sin, God is 
faithful and just to forgive him his sin, and to cleanse him from all 
iniquity. I believe we are both travelling in the same road : that 
we are both minding the same things : and if we are not exactly of 
the same opinion in all things, the things in which we are not 
quite agreed are minor points, and God according to his promise 
will eventually reveal those things unto us. 

" There is an excellent Sermon among Mr. Newton's Dis- 
courses on the doctrine of Assurance. I do not know whether you 
noticed that sermon ; if you have not seen it, I would recommend 
it to your attention. It is many years since I read it, and I can- 
not state in a particular manner, but I derived much advantage 
from it, at the time I read it, and the impression made upon my 
mind by it remains fresh even now. I shall be glad to sec the 
volume you mention, but you need not be in any hurry sending it; 
I may pei'haps see you before I can read much of it. 

" With best respects to Miss Brcnton, and Miss Isabella, in 

wliich Mrs. P. desires to unite with me. 

" I am, my dear Sir Jahlecl, 

"With unabated affection and esteem, 

" Your's sincerely, 

^'JOHN rillLlP." 
"Cati; Tow.n, l''i;i?in Ain 27, 1821." 



I 



Chap XVIII. SIK JAHLEEL BRENTON. Gil 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



BENEVOLE:^! exertions in favour of the negro and HOTTENTOT POPULATION. — 
CAPTAIN EDWARD BRENTON'S PLAN FOR THE RESTORATION OF JUVENILE 
DELINQUENTS. — ITS CONNECTION WITH THE CAPE, AND FAILURE. — THE ESTA- 
BLISHMENT AT SIMON'S TOWN BROKEN UP AT THE DEATH OF BUONAPARTE. — 
RETURN TO ENGLAND. 



The letter with which the last chapter was closed, 
is one of many that remain, and which might have 
been inserted in this Memoir with advantage, if it had 
not been desirable to restrain the size of a volume, 
which already exceeds its proposed dimensions ; and if 
enough had not been already said, to answer the pur- 
pose for which their insertion might be desirable, the 
completion of the portraiture of the subject. The 
reader therefore is at liberty to infer from the tone 
of one letter, the character of the correspondence in 
general ; and he may perhaps admit that it is one of the 
fehcities of the age to see such a correspondence ex- 
isting in such a quarter of the world. While men 
whose lot is cast in the extreme corner of Africa ; that 
portion of our world, which has seemed throughout the 
historv of man to have been rcsii^iicd to barbarism : aic 



612 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

found discussing such topics, and in such a spirit, the 
wilderness may indeed be said to blossom as a rose, and 
the desert is like the garden of the Lord. 

But interesting and profitable as such communications 
must have been to both parties concerned, they were 
neither of them men likely to leave their talents un- 
improved, or to allow religious conviction to evaporate 
in religious discussions. They felt that the light they 
had received was to shine before men ; and the love of 
Christ, the principle on which their whole mutual 
scheme of belief centred and moved, constrained them 
to live, not for themselves, but for others ; and to 
evince the gratitude they felt for the mercy that had 
visited them, and the love which burnt within their 
own breasts towards Him who had made them what 
they were, by acts of kindness and benevolence to all 
around them. 

We find Sir Jahleel accordingly at one time warmly 
interested in the case of the captured Negroes, who 
had been set at liberty in the Cape, and were employed 
in the Government works and dockyard. An Act of 
Parliament had rescued these poor creatures from 
slavery, but the boon of freedom had been bestowed in 
a manner which rendered it a slight, or at least a 
questionable blessing ; and such was the condition in 
which they were left in the colony, that some doubts 
might have been felt, whether their happiness would 
not have been consulted, if the ship which conveyed 
them from Africa, had been allowed to complete its 
course, and to discharge its cargo in the West Indies. 
The men were captured, and were in consequence 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 613 

declared free by law ; but they were set free in a 
country where they were strangers and destitute of all 
means of subsistence ; and where the means of support 
were not provided for them at first, nor always attain- 
able by any efforts of their own. The consideration of 
the Colonial Government had gone- so far, as to have 
assigned them employment in the dockyards ; but it 
was not easy to persuade an emancipated Negro, that 
it was necessary to work; nor was it easier to teach 
him how to work so as to make him useful. On this 
account it seemed necessary to treat them like children, 
to convert their slavery into a servitude, limited in 
time and measure; and to consider them as appren- 
tices, that some kind of restraint might thus be exer- 
cised over those, who were in point of fact made free, 
but who seemed hardly capable of making a proper use 
of their freedom. The form of apprenticeship assimi- 
lated their condition in the colonial law to that of 
the Hottentot ; but in doing this, it exposed them to 
all the injuries under which that injured race of men 
were groaning, through the system which the Dutch laws 
had estabhshed ; and which left them too much at the 
mercy of the Boors to be regarded as independent or 
secure. 

We have seen in an earHer part of the memoir how 
earnestly Sir Jahleel strove to obtain protection for 
these people ; and we cannot be surprised if his efforts, 
extended to the Government at home, as well as to 
that of the colony, should have brought him into con- 
nection with that individual, who filled at the moment 
the glorious, though unsolicited office of being tlie 



614 MEMOIR OF Chap, XVIII. 

advocate of the oppressed throughout the world. While 
resident at the Cape, Sir Jahleel was induced to ad- 
dress himself to Mr. Wilberforce, and not only to call 
his attention to the stealthy modes in which the trade 
in slaves was carried on through the channel of 
Mozambique, and to the danger of the Cape becoming 
a depot for that nefarious traffic ; but likewise to the 
state of the emancipated Negroes, and the native 
population of the colony. Mr. Wilberforce, whose ear 
was ever open to the cry of distress, felt at once the 
value of his new correspondent, and the importance of 
the appeal. The case of the Cape colony was included 
in the succeeding measures for the abolition of the 
slave trade. PubHc attention was drawn to the exis- 
tence of the traffic on the eastern coast of Africa, and 
in the Indian Ocean ; and that quarter of the world 
was protected from the encroachment of the evil, which 
has blighted the prosperity of the west. 

Sir Jahleel Brenton's zeal in behalf of the emanci- 
pated Negroes led him likewise to consider the state of 
the Hottentot population at the Cape ; and here he 
found Dr. Philip engaged in a long, and almost hope- 
less contest with the Colonial Government, in behalf of 
that despised and injured people. The original natives 
of the country, they had been reduced by the Dutch 
settlers to a state of servitude, in some degree worse 
than slavery ; as the master felt, that while both slave 
and servant were equally at his disposal and equally 
under his control, the slave had been purchased, and had 
cost him something ; and the servant had come under 
liis doniiiiion for notliing. Both therefore w^ere to all 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 615 

intents bondmen ; for the servant had no power of 
changing his master, at least no power which he dared 
to exercise ; and the circumstance of his having been 
born to nominal freedom, availed nothing, where the 
law was framed for the sole purpose of securing the 
master's rights ; and where distance from the seat of 
Government, and the wild independence of the Boor's 
life, made an appeal to justice all but impossible. The 
character of the Dutch settlers likewise, sordid and 
covetous on principle, and at that time filled with 
hatred of the British influence, as being the dominion 
of a conqueror ; and of British intercourse as likely to 
introduce a rival and encroaching population ; placed 
them in an attitude of suspicion and defiance. Every 
attempt made by the Government to ameliorate the 
condition of the Hottentots was viewed with jealousy 
by the Boors, as an abridgement of their own rights ; 
and every disposition in the Hottentots to complain 
was crushed by increased severity, as if it were an act 
of insurrection. The very efforts of the missionaries 
to convey to that benighted race the knowledge of the 
gospel, were contemplated with prejudice and ill-will by 
the colonists. In consequence every obstacle was 
thrown in their way. The attendance of the servants 
was forbidden at all occasions of social worship, or 
religious instruction. The wish for instruction was 
considered a crime in the Hottentot ; and all that the 
fierce violence of a brutal mind could suggest, was too 
often done by the farmers, to subdue the rising spirit 
of religion, whenever it had been excited by the preach- 
ino' of the missionaries in their nei.olibourhood. It is 



616 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

a painful and humiliating fact that the local regulations 
of Protestant colonies have been uniformly less favour- 
able to the spiritual improvement of the natives, than 
those established in Roman Catholic colonies. Not 
that Protestantism is less lenient in its character, or less 
congenial with hberty than Romanism, for it is con- 
fessedly more so ; but the Protestant colonies having 
been formed in later times, and at times when the 
church had lost that influence with the state, which it 
once possessed ; the colonial legislation in all the later 
European settlements was constructed on purely secu- 
lar grounds, and religion had no voice, because the 
church had no power. 

The Dutch system of Government at the Cape had 
in other respects much to recommend it. The esta- 
blished religion of the mother country had been 
introduced in the colony, and been endowed. The 
character of the settlers, at least of those in the town, 
would have borne comparison with that of any colony, 
belonging to other European nations ; and the Boors 
themselves, when political or personal jealousies did not 
intervene, were found hospitable, kind, and correct in 
general behaviour. The misfortune of the colony arose 
from the degree of power which was possessed by 
individuals, not prepared to exercise it properly, and 
who were subject to great and obvious temptations to 
abuse it ; and thus it happened that the condition to 
which the Hottentots were reduced under the Dutch 
law was such, that it became the imperative duty of 
the Jkitish Government to take some steps towards 
coi-rocting an evil, Avhich seemed intolerable and dis- 



Chap. XVIII. SIE JAULEEL BRENTON. 617 

graceful to a civilized country. These measures were 
regarded by the Boors, an uneducated, prejudiced, and 
overbearing race, as a breach of contract between the 
Government and themselves ; and as an illegal en- 
croachment on those rights which were guaranteed to 
them when the colony became a part of the British 
Empire. And these feelings, stimulated by designing 
men on one side, and aggravated by want of considera- 
tion and of conciliatory proceedings on the other, 
finally led to those acts of resistance which have 
required military interference, and have endangered 
for a time the peace and prosperity of this valuable 
colony. 

Sir Jahleel witnessed the working of elements of 
evil, which were to have their fuller development after 
he had left the colony. He saw the state of the Neo;ro 
and the Hottentot population, and he did what he 
could to ameliorate the condition of each. Had his 
power been greater, or even had his residence at the 
Cape been longer, he would have done much towards 
correcting the evil, and improving the general state of 
the society ; for he possessed in no ordinary degree 
the qualities which fit man for command, or enable 
him without command to exercise influence on the 
minds of others. He had clearness of view, correct 
judgment, decision, and firmness, combined with pa- 
tience, sweetness of temper, and the most conciliatory 
manners. Beyond this, he knew more accurately tlian 
most men, the nature of that foundation which must be 
laid as the security for all permanent prosperity Tf 
the efforts which he did make, were not attended with 



618 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIIL 

complete success, their failure may be ascribed witli 
more reason to the inveterate character of the evil, and 
to the strength of the opposition raised against them, 
than to any mistake on his part ; and a dispassionate 
consideration of Cape politics during the last twenty 
years will justify the wisdom of his proceedings, and 
wall leave room for nothing but regret, that his views 
were not adopted by those who had the power and 
opportunity of carrying them on to perfection. 

The British Government it is true has done much 
towards the protection of the oppressed and ill treated 
Hottentot. The measures set on foot to check the 
trade in slaves, and to prevent the introduction of 
slavery into the colony have been successful ; and in 
these respects, the plans which were commenced during 
Sir JahleeVs residence at the Cape may seem to have 
been brought to the conclusion that he wished. But 
the efforts made for the amelioration of the state of the 
Hottentots were not so immediately successful, and the 
end wdiich he there had in view has not been accom- 
plished in the most satisfactory manner. At the time 
when the freedom of the Hottentots w^as secured by law, 
the Boors were not convinced that their interests were 
properly considered in the transaction. Means were 
not taken to explain to them the real nature of the 
alteration, which the executive Government felt it 
necessary to introduce ; and men, ignorant as they 
were in general, and from national prejudice disposed 
to suspect evil in the measures of their new rulers, 
were easily persuaded to think that the British Govern- 
ment wished to be generous at tlieir expence ; and to 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 619 

establish a character for benevolence, by deprivmg them 
of what they considered as their rights. A compensa- 
tion for the Hottentots, whom they regarded as slaves, 
was awarded ; and a compensation, which if it had 
been paid on the spot, and in the currency with which 
they were familiar, would have satisfied all their wishes. 
But from a strange fatality of error, this compensation 
was paid in bills on London, and not in a currency 
with which they were familiar. The Boor unused to 
mercantile transactions, and unable to negociate the 
payment of such securities in the wilderness where his 
life was past, was obliged to put the bills into other 
hands, in order to obtain their liquidation. Dishonest 
adventurers introduced themselves, who offered to 
undertake the business ; but who fixed their own 
terms, and made their own bargain ; and the unfortu- 
nate farmer receiving a mere fraction of that which he 
considered to be the value of his slave, felt that he had 
been swindled out of his property, by the form of a 
legal transaction, and looked on the Government as 
the cause of the loss he had sustained. 

The resentment which this treatment gave rise to, 
led to that singular movement of which we have been 
obliged to hear so much ; and which is only practicable 
in pastoral nations ; when the Boor population, with all 
its property of herds and flocks, quitted the territory 
which it used to occupy, and advanced into the Cafir 
districts, proclaiming as it went its own independence, 
and seeking a new settlement in the wilderness, exempt 
from the vexatious interference of the British Govern- 
ment. 



620 MEMOIR OF CiiAP. XVJIL 

As a secession like this militated against all princi- 
ples of society, and must have led to an aggression on 
the property of the Cafir tribes, which would have 
exposed the colony to acts of retaliation on their part, 
it was necessary that the movement should be checked, 
and that the rebellious emigrants should be reduced to 
submission. This has not however been effected with- 
out bloodshed and difficulty ; and the state of the 
colony exhibits a melancholy picture of the danger 
which results from ill-combined or precipitated mea- 
sures, even when the object in view is one of unques- 
tionable usefulness. The error in execution however 
must not be allowed to impugn the wdsdom of the 
original design. Had Sir Jahleel Brenton been able 
to carry out the whole of his benevolent purpose, the 
feelings of the Boor masters would have been consulted, 
as well as the security of the Hottentot servant. 
Allowance would have been made for the jealousies of a 
prejudiced and ignorant class of men ; and no unneces- 
sary offence would have been given. All inevitable 
suspicion would have been provided for and removed, 
and the success of the scheme might have been secured 
by the patience and discretion with which it was 
advanced to its completion. 

It has seemed but just to anticipate events, and to 
name what is now a matter of colonial history, in order 
to guard the subject of this memoir from the imputa- 
tion of having originated, or pressed forward measures, 
which have led to painful results, and to a temporary 
disturbance of the peace of the country. There is 
every reason to hope tliat the movements wliich have 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 621 

thus been glanced at, are by this time effectually sub- 
dued, and that the pacification of the colony is secured ; 
but it was necessary to shew that the real causes of 
the Boors' insurrection were not the restoration of the 
Hottentots to the rights of human beings, but the 
working of national prejudices, inseparable from the 
condition of a conquered settlement ; and the resent- 
ment cherished by covetous, but ill-informed men, who 
thought they had been atrociously wronged by a 
Government, which in their hearts they hated. 

The farmers might have been gradually convinced, 
had proper pains been taken to explain the nature of 
the change, that it was not right to hold a fellow- 
creature in the sort of bondage to which the natives 
were reduced ; and had proper measures been adopted 
in the payment of the compensation money, they might 
have been made to feel that a fair equivalent was given 
to them by the Government, which vindicated the 
slaves from their property, and curtailed the power 
they had been accustomed to exercise over them. 

Sir JahleeFs intimacy with Dr. Phihp continued, 
though the correspondence seems to have dropped after 
he left the Cape, in proportion as other means were 
adopted for the improvement of the colony. But his 
agency was at a subsequent period most advantageously 
employed in furtherance of a benevolent plan, which 
originating with Captain Edward Pelham Brenton, was 
sanctioned and supported by his brother, for rescuing 
the juvenile delinquents which haunt the streets of 
London, from their life of misery and sin. It was 
found on enquiry, that a large portion of this wretched 



622 MEMOIR OE Chap. XVIII. 

class, which it was at one time calculated amounted to 
nearly 15,000 lads and boys, living without a home or 
shelter, or anything like regular employment ; con- 
sisted of deserted orphans, or of boys who had escaped 
from the metropolitan workhouses. These unhappy 
outcasts of society either earned a precarious living by 
sweeping the streets, and holding horses at markets, 
and places of public resort, or else maintained them- 
selves by petty acts of plunder. Their dwelling was 
found in the uninhabited houses on the outskirts of 
London, the dry arches of bridges, or some such like 
receptacle ; and here they were congregated together 
at night, if they failed in finding admission to some of 
the haunts of infamy and vice. Their habits neces- 
sarily exposed them to the suspicion of the police, and 
their wants soon brought them under its notice. The 
commission to prison for some petty theft put the 
stamp of crime on the character, and introduced them 
to the acquaintance of more advanced and hardened 
accomplices. The first imprisonment therefore was 
speedily followed by another. Crime followed crime 
by a kind of necessary sequence, though crime became 
more atrocious as it was repeated ; and after a succes- 
sion of imprisonments had been found ineffectual to 
reclaim an off'ender, who had no means of living but by 
the offence, which subjected him to punishment ; the 
unhappy lad received a final sentence of transportation, 
and was sent to fill up the measure of his sufferings 
and his guilt in a penal colony. 

Captain Brcnton conceived that something might be 
(lone for tlicsc poor creatures, and that if it might be 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 623 

done, it should be done. He had seen the wonderful 
effect produced on the mind by the discipline of a 
king's ship, when that discipline w^as tempered by 
discretion and kindness ; and he resolved to make an 
experiment on that class, which the world was disposed 
to regard as the most lost and the most hopeless, the 
juvenile delinquents of the metropolis. The enquiries 
he had made into the cases of individuals had satisfied 
him, that their misery was often the occasion of their 
crime ; and that they were driven by want of neces- 
saries, which they had not any possible means of 
obtaining, to the acts of dishonesty which exposed 
them to punishment. Many of them had assured him, 
and with appearances of sincerity, w^hich it would have 
been inhumanity to doubt, that they hated the life that 
they were leading ; and that they should embrace with 
thankfulness any course of labour, which offered them 
security and food ; and he was willing to make an 
experiment on a small scale, of w^hat might be done 
towards recovering these outcasts of the w^orld. Pre- 
mises were taken in the parish of Hackney, and fitted 
up for the accommodation of seventy or eighty boys. 
A man eminently qualified for the situation of the head 
of such an estabhshment was found, and found wilhng 
to undertake it. An outfit of the simplest and most 
economical kind w^as provided, with cots for the boys 
to sleep in, spades and other tools for working in the 
garden, and the usual supply of school requisites for 
their education. In a little volume entitled 'The Bible 
and the Spade,' Captain Brcnton explained the plan of 
his benevolent undertaking ; and the place was soon 



624 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

filled with boys swept from the streets of London, and 
for the first time in their lives brought under the 
influence of Christian education ; and allowed to taste 
the comforts of a settled home, cleanliness, warmth and 
a regular supply of food. 

The first results were highly satisfactory. The mix- 
ture of kindness and vivacity in the master's manner, 
seemed to awaken the sluggish energies of the idle, 
and to attach the affections of boys, who had hardly 
ever been addressed in such a tone before. Activity 
prevailed in the school, and in the garden ; and what 
was of still more importance, a sense of self-respect, 
and a desire of honest independence, began to shew 
itself in the boys, and to encourage hopes of the com- 
mencement of a moral change in the character of the 
inmates. The effect to be expected from the dis- 
cipline of the school, would however have been less 
encouraging, if the boys were to have been returned 
to the society fjfom which they were rescued, as soon 
as they were discharged. It could not have been 
hoped that such a change of habit as this temporary 
withdrawal from evil produced, should resist the 
temptations with which they would then be sur- 
rounded ; and Captain Brenton shewed as much 
knowledge of human nature as benevolence, when he 
arranged as a subsidiary, but essential part of his 
system, the transfer of his pupils to a new and less 
exposed situation. The friendly services of Dr. Philip 
were therefore here called in to provide for these 
reclaimed delinquents, places of employment at tlic 
Cape. Tlic services of an English boy, though ill- 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 625 

educated and rude, were of some value to colonists, 
who were dependent on tlie half reclaimed savages of 
the country ; and the mere recollection of what these 
boys had known of the usages of civilized life, enabled 
them to imitate what their masters had never seen. 
The demand accordingly increased. The boys who 
had gone out, and who had found situations as servants, 
or cattle-keepers, wrote back favourable accounts of 
their condition ; and a resource seemed opened, which 
might have relieved London of some of its misery, and 
might have carried some new comforts into the wilder- 
ness of the Cape. 

It is with regret that the conclusion of the attempt 
must be reported ; but it is well that men should be 
aware, that he who endeavours to assist the worst of 
his species, must lay his account to expect from them 
the worst of treatment in return. 

Captain Brenton had been induced at the request of 
a worthless couple, to admit their son into the refuge, 
and to send him to the Cape as an apprentice. The 
parents when they found that the boy was gone, con- 
ceived that they had got the means of extorting money 
from his benefactor. They pretended to be anxious 
about their child, and to be dissatisfied with the repre- 
sentations made to them of his position. They carried 
their complaint to the Lord Mayor, and declared that 
the boy had been kidnapped. The public papers took 
the cause up with violence, and added publicity to the 
charge. The boy was sent for from the Cape, but 
before he could be brought back, a sudden attack of 
gout, to which Captain Brenton was subject, and which 

2 s 



626 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

came on, the evening subsequent to a public meet- 
ing, carried him off ; and left the refuge at Hackney 
Wick a monument of his benevolence, and of the ingra- 
titude that he met with. It is to be hoped however that 
the benefit of his example will not be lost. The public 
seems now to be agreed that steps must be taken to re- 
move the evil of such a population of juvenile delinquents ; 
and will probably feel that as prevention is better than 
cure, it will be expedient to withdraw those who have 
once fallen, from the scene of past exposure, and to 
assist their removal to a country where a new course 
of life may be commenced under happier circumstances. 
The advantages of possessing such an agency as that 
of Dr. Philip, vfill then at least be appreciated, and the 
public will endeavour to renew a system, which twenty 
years ago was denounced.'"' 

The time however came, when the more active part 
of Sir Jahleel's life was to be closed, and he was to be 
withdrawn from his sphere of labour at the Cape. The 
general pacification which ensued after the battle of 
Waterloo justified the reduction of all our colonial 
establishments ; and in the year 1821, Sir Jahleel 
received directions to wind up the accounts of the 
Naval Commissioner at the Cape, and to place the 
dockyard on a reduced scale. It was not possible that 

* The Editor cannot do otherwise on this occasion than direct his 
readers' attention to a little volume which was drawn up by Sir 
Jahleel, which on many accounts deserves notice; viz. — "The Memoir 
of Captain Edward Pelhani Brenton, R.N. C.B., with Sketclies of his 
Professional Life, ;ind Exertions in the Cause of Humanity.'' — 8ro., 
Nishet, Loudon. 



CuAP. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 627 

he should leave the Cape without deep feelings of 
regret, increased by the recollections of what he had 
lost, and what he had left there ; but no regret that 
he experienced at leaving a place endeared to him by 
so many associations, could equal that of those who 
seemed to lose in him, the protector, the patron, and 
the friend whom they had learnt to value and appre- 
ciate. During the years of his residence there, he had 
been occupied unremittingly in some work of benevo- 
lence or kindness. There was hardly a class in society 
which had not received some benefit through his 
intervention ; and there were many who felt that but 
for him they should have received none. The society 
in which he had moved were conscious that the mind 
that had added charms to their intercourse, and eleva- 
tion to its tone, was to be withdrawn ; while the poor 
and the oppressed, whether English or Dutch, Hotten- 
tot or Negro, felt that the resource to which they 
should have applied in the first place, and with the 
greatest hope of relief, was taken from them ; and that 
no door would be found, to which they could turn with 
equal confidence, when that of the Commissioner's was 
closed. 

The brief narrative of his voyage home may be given 
in his own words, and as it is with this that his own 
memoir of his life concludes, it is well that he should 
tell the tale of his last experience on an element, where 
he had done so much and suffered so much. 

*'When the news of the death of Buonaparte, which 
took place at St. Helena, on the 5th of May, 1821, 
reached England, orders were dispatched to the Cape 



628 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIIL 

of Good Hope for reducing the establishment of the 
dockyard at Simon's Bay, and leaving the stores in the 
charge of a clerk and a foreman of the shipwrights, to 
assist in the repair of such ships as might occasionally 
arrive. On the 6th of November, 1821, I embarked 
with my family on board the Vigo, bearing the flag of 
Rear Admiral Lambert. We arrived at St. Helena 
on the 21st, and after staying there a week, we pro- 
ceeded on our way to England. Having got to the 
northward of the Tropic, we experienced very bad 
weather, a continuance of heavy gales from the West- 
ward. In one of these gales, an event occurred, which 
should be recorded, as it shews from what very slight 
causes the most serious accidents may arise. In the 
evening of the 26th December, the wind having mo- 
derated, a reef was let out of the main topsail, and the 
top gallant mast and yard were got up. It continued 
however to freshen again in the night, and before 
morning it was found necessary to close reef the main 
topsail again, to get down the yard and to shape the 
top gallant mast. While employed in the latter opera- 
tion, the ship took a very heavy lurch, (she was then 
scudding) and the people who had hold of the mast 
rope were violently thrown to leeward. The force this 
circumstance gave to the mast rope, lifted the heel of 
the top gallant mast above the cross trees, and ren- 
dered all further efforts to strike the mast unavailing. 
Before any fresh efforts could be made, the topmast 
springstay gave way, and the topmast stay soon fol- 
lowed, when the mast wont, a few feet above the cap, 
and falhng upon the Ice topsail yard-arm, carried that 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 629 

away ; and the accumulated wreck coming down upon 
the main yard, carried away the lee lift, by which the 
weather quarter of the main yard, coming in contact 
with the top, gave way, carrying with it the weather 
side of the top crosstrees ; thus rendering the main- 
mast completely disabled, as far as its sails were 
concerned. At this moment the ship broached too, 
against a tremendous sea, but providentially without 
any serious damage. From this circumstance may be 
seen the importance of not delaying to get down a 
top gallant mast in time, when a gale is evidently 
increasing. We arrived at Spithead on the 1st of 
January, 1822, and it was a singular coincidence that 
we had left England precisely on that day seven years 
before." 

With his return to England the more active part of 
Sir Jahleel Brenton^s professional life was closed. In 
one sense it might have been said to have ended, when 
he fell wounded on the deck of the Spartan ; for from 
that time he was incapable of supporting the fatigues 
inseparable from active service, and nothing but zeal for 
his profession, combined with a more than ordinary 
measure of firmness of mind, could have carried him 
through the duties of the situations which he subse- 
quently filled. The manner in which the duties of the 
Commissioner's office at the Cape, and those of situa- 
tions still more important which he filled at home were 
afterwards discharged, may serve to shew that man's 
powers of usefulness are not limited by the powers of 
the body ; and the supremacy of mind is exhibited 



630 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

most distinctly, where the corporeal part only hinders 
the exertions which are required from the man. 

His first object in returning to England was to seek 
for the children committed to his charge the shelter and 
advantages of home ; and the affection which bound all 
the members of his large family together, soon se- 
cured to him and them every human consolation and 
support. 

The length of the war which was at last closed, and 
the general pacification of the world that followed on 
the death of Napoleon, precluded all idea of active ser- 
vice ; and though the feeling which had animated his 
professional life still existed, and a hope that he might 
yet have to hoist his own flag, and be again entrusted 
with command, never was entirely lost, he prepared 
himself for pursuits of a diff'erent kind, and endeavoured 
to improve the leisure which he had so gloriously won. 

Shortly after his return home he received a gratify- 
ing proof of the opinion entertained of the services he 
had rendered to his country, by his appointment to the 
temporary command of the Royal Charlotte Yacht, at 
the request of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, 
when the yacht was employed to convey the Duke and 
the Duchess to Antwerp, in the summer of 1822. 

Shortly after his return from Antwerp he married 
Miss Harriet Brenton, his cousin, fourth daughter of the 
late James Brenton, Esq. one of the Judges of Hahfax, 
in Nova Scotia; and though still incapable of active 
service, and sufi'ering at intervals extreme pain from 
his wound, which shewed a continual tendency to in- 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 631 

flammatioii, he was much occupied in attending Com- 
mittees in London on professional subjects, to which he 
was called by the Lords of the Admiralty. During the 
same period he had the happiness of making the per- 
sonal acquaintance of Mr. Wilberforce, whom he had 
previously only known by correspondence, or as a pub- 
lic character ; and he shared with every one who had 
the privilege of knowing that excellent man, the feelings 
of fascination which belonged to the warmth of his 
heart and the powers of his conversation. 

The state of his health at the close of 1823 rendered 
it desirable that he should remove to Bath, where, in 
the commencement of the following year, his youngest 
daughter, Harriet Mary, was born. During this period 
his correspondence with Mr. Wilberforce, and with his 
respected friend at the Cape, Dr. Philip, offer many in- 
teresting specimens of the zeal with which he laboured, 
under circumstances that would have chilled the spirit of 
most men, to promote the welfare both temporal and 
eternal of all who had ever been placed beneath his 
care. But it seems unnecessary to extend the Memoir 
of such a hfe by extracts that only repeat the exhibition 
of a character more effectually pourtrayed by actions ; 
and enough has been already said to enable the reader 
to understand and appreciate the mind by which that 
character was formed. 

In the year 1825 Sir Jahleel received the appoint- 
ment of Colonel of Marines, and removed to a cottage 
in Hampshire, where he had opportunity for indulging 
his taste for country pursuits, which, next to those of 



632 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

his profession, were the objects of his preference and his 
favourite resource. In this retirement he regained in 
a considerable degree both health and strength, and 
with returning powers he felt himself justified in apply- 
ing for employment on active service. In consequence 
of his application he was appointed in November, 1829, 
to the command of H.M.S. Donegal, at that time sta- 
tioned as the Guard Ship at Sheerness. He retained 
this command however only till the summer of 1830, 
when he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral of 
the Blue. This increase of rank was however accom- 
panied by a very serious diminution of income ; and on 
leaving the Donegal he thought it expedient to take a 
small house at Stoke, near Plymouth, which for the time 
became his home ; and here, though occasionally suffer- 
ing severely from his wound and from gout, he found in 
his home circle, and the resources which his pencil and 
his books supplied, the materials of a very happy exist- 
ence. 

In the following year a situation of a very different 
kind was proposed to him, in the appointment of Lieut. 
Governor to Greenwich Hospital ; and as the circum- 
stances under which the offer was made, and finally ac- 
cepted, arc honourable to all the parties engaged in the 
transaction, and serve to reflect light on the character 
of our subject ; the Editor feels that on this occasion he 
may introduce some portions of a correspondence which 
in its original form might have been considered private. 
The proposal was made by Sir James Graham, then 
First Lord of the Admiralty, in the following letter. 



CHAr. XVIIL SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 633 

Admiralty, 24ch July, 1831. 
" Sir, 

" The situation of Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich 
Hospital has become vacant by the death of Captain Brewell, and 
it has been determined to offer the appointment to a Rear Ad- 
miral. The salary is £800 a year, with apartments and other 
contingent advantages ; but of course the half-pay of the officer 
holding the situation ceases, and his future promotion and chance 
for active employment is stopped. 

" The duties also of Lieutenant Governor require constant 
residence, and active exertion -, for the discipline and good order 
of this great establishment depend very much upon his attention 
and regular care ; and no officer is worthy of the appointment 
who is not prepared to second Sir Richard Keats in the constant 
and anxious endeavours which he makes, and in his exemplary 
zeal to uphold the character and to sustain the honour of that 
institution which is the pride of our naval history. 

" Considering your services, your wounds, and your distin- 
guished reputation, I have thought it my duty to recommend you 
to His Majesty for the appointment; and the king has been 
graciously pleased to command me to offer it to you, as a mark 
of his favour and approbation. I have stated to you explicitly the 
conditions, and you will not accept the situation with any other 
prospect. 

" At all events, in offering it to you, I am glad of an opportu- 
nity of proving my respect for your character, and my sense of 
the services which you have rendered to your country. 

" I have the honour to be, &c. 

"Signed, J. B. GRAHAM." 
" Rear- Admiral Sir Jahleel Brenton." 

To this letter, kind and flattering as it was, the 
following answer was returned ; and if the reader bears 
in mind that it was written from a cottage, by a man 
whose narrow income hardly allowed him to oftcr to 



634 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

his wife and child anything beyond the comforts of a 
very quiet home, and to whom the situation at Green- 
wich must have seemed comparative affluence ; he will 
know how to appreciate the high professional spirit 
which revolted at the conditions proposed, and refused 
the offer of the dignified and agreeable position at the 
hospital, if it was to preclude all the opportunities of 
active employment in the service. 



Devonport, July 26th, 1831. 



".GS 



IR, 



" I have the honour to acknowledge your letter of the 
24th, and to assure you that I feel most grateful for the flattering 
manner in which you are pleased to mention my services, and for 
your great kindness in recommending me to His Majesty, to fill 
the situation of Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich Hospital. 

"As you have been pleased to enumerate the conditions at- 
tached to the acceptance of this office, I feel convinced you will 
expect that I should be guided in my decision by the view I take 
of them ; and this induces me respectfully to decline the kind 
offer, as I cannot willingly give up the hope of active service and 
of future promotion. 

" I am well aware how many there are of my brother officers, 
and those of distinguished reputation, who are candidates for 
employment ; and how very few are the situations to which we are 
eligible j but I shall most cheerfully submit to your decision upon 
our respective claims, and should no opportunity offer for my 
being called into active service, I shall in my retirement have 
the comfort of feeling, that my professional life has been amply 
rewarded by the approbation it has received from His Majesty 
and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. 

" As I conceive that His Majesty was pleased to express his 
consent to my receiving the appointment, with a view to its being 
acceptable to me, I trust I shall not appear insensible to tlie high 
honour of liis most gracious approbaiioii in thus declining it; and 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 635 

I am the more confirmed in this assurance, from His Majesty's 
having in his answer to my request for the appointment of Com- 
missioner at Portsmouth, expressed himself in the following 
manner. 

" ^ / trust whenever His Majesty shall command a promotion of 
flag officers, I shall have the pleasure of seeing you become an 
Admiral, in that state of health which may enable you in that 
exalted rank to be of more service to your king and country,' 

" I beg leave in conclusion to repeat how deeply and sincerely 
grateful I feel, for the approbation you have so kindly expressed 
upon my conduct ', which under all circumstances will be a source 
of the greatest satisfaction, and which I hope to retain to the end 
of my days. 

" I have, &c. 

" J. BRENTON." 
" To THE Eight Honoukable 

Sir J. Graham." 

Tt might have been apprehended that the correspon- 
dence would haye been closed by this reply ; and that 
Sir Jahleel Brenton might have been left to experience 
in retirement and poverty the consequences of his 
inveterate attachment to the active duties of his 
service. 

It is satisfactory to know that this was not the 
result ; that WiUiam IV. then king, remembered the 
hopes which he had held out as Duke of Clarence, and 
Lord High Admiral ; and that the first Lord had the 
pleasure of bestowing the situation which he had been 
so glad to offer. The next post brought the following- 
letter from the Admiralty. 

"Admiralty, July 29th, 1831. 
" Sir, 

" I have had the pleasure of receiving your letter in 

reply to mine of the 24th, and I have been induced by tlie liighly 



G36 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

honourable feelings which you have expressed upon declining the 
acceptance of the situation of Lieutenant Governor of Greenwich 
Hospital, to propose to the King, that His Majesty should make 
some alterations as to the conditions upon which the appointment 
was offered to you ; being in hopes that the country may still 
have the benefit of the services of so distinguished an officer, 
should an occasion offer for your having a command afloat. 

"His Majesty has been pleased to signify to me his royal 
pleasure that the appointment should be offered to you, with the 
understanding, that when your turn for a flag promotion comes 
for your being raised to the rank of Yice-Admiral, you may 
exercise a choice, and either take the step resigning the appoint- 
ment, or hold the appointment forfeiting the promotion. 

" If this relaxation in the conditions I before mentioned to you 
be satisfactory, I shall be glad to hear that you consider the 
appointment as one you would like to fill, and I shall be glad to 
have a reply from you at your earliest convenience. 

" I have, &c. 

«J. B. GRAHAM." 



This gratifying communication from the First Lord 
removed the difficulties which had prevented Sir 
Jahleel from accepting with thankfulness a situation 
so comfortable in itself, and so full of interest for one 
who felt as he did for the welfare of seamen in general. 
The answer, which was written the next day, announced 
his acceptance of the appointment, in the following- 
words : — 



''Devonport, 30tli July, 1831. 
"Sir, 

" 1 have tljc honour to acknowledge your letter of 
yesterday, wliich I Imvo just received ; and I lose not a moment 
in Jissurino- you liow truly iiiid sincerely grateful T feel for your 



Chap XVIII. SIR JAIILEEL BRENTON. 637 

kindness, and for the steps you have been pleased to take in my 
behalf with His Majesty. 

"I can in consequence no longer feel any objection to the 
honourable situation, to which you have had the goodness to 
nominate me, and hope to fulfil the duties of it in such a manner 
as to merit the continuance of your approbation. I hope in a 
few days to have the honour of expressing in person the deep 
sense I have of the interest you have so kindly manifested in my 
behalf. 

" I have the honour, &c. 

«J. BRENTON." 

The appointment having been offered and thus 
thankfully received, no time was lost in taking posses- 
sion, and in entering on the duties of the office. Sir 
Jahleel went up at once to London, and presented 
himself at the Admiralty ; and had there a long and 
satisfactory conversation with Sir James Graham, who 
said that he was so much impressed by the sentiments 
contained in his letter that he had sent it to the King ; 
that His Majesty was also struck with the statement, 
and had of his own mind suggested the arrangement. 
Sir James further recommended his waiting on the 
King, and when Sir Jahleel observed that he had no 
uniform in town, overruled the objection, and advised 
him to leave all with Sir Herbert Taylor to settle. In 
a letter addressed to Lady Brenton on the occasion, he 
says, " I went to St. James's, and had a most gracious 
interview with His Majesty ; who made me sit down 
and have a long conversation with him. He asked 
how I liked the arrangement, and whether I clearly 
understood the conditions. I said, I understood them 
to be, that as soon as it came to my turn to bo \n'o- 



638 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

moted to a Vice-Admiral, I should have my choice 
between remaining as Lieutenant Governor, and taking 
my rank. No, said His Majesty, that is not it. You 
shall keep the Lieutenant Governorship as Vice- Ad- 
miral ; but when you are to have a flag at the main, 
then you shall choose whether you remain or take the 
promotion ; but not before. He then asked after my 
health, which T told him was quite good with the 
exception of a little gout. Gout is nothing said he. 
No, replied I, and I hope yet to have the pleasure of 
serving your Majesty at sea. To this he said, that 
was of course out of the question at present. He then 
talked of the squadron, as to their sailing, &c. He 
added many very civil things, and then wished me a 
good morning, saying, this was a busy day with him. 
So much for the interview." 

Sir Jahleel was happy to find that the situation at 
Greenwich in point of household accommodation and 
comforts, exceeded his expectation, and oflered all that 
he could have wished to find. He was equally pleased 
with the reception he met with from that distinguished 
officer, Sir R. Keats, the Governor, and the other 
official neighbours whom he found there ; nor was he 
less delighted by finding among the pensioners who 
were thenceforth to be under his control, some of those 
who had shared the perils and the glories of his active 
service. In a letter to his sister, in describing the 
Hospital, he writes, *' I have found several of my old 
shipmates there, and amongst others my old steward 
of the Spartan, John Davis, who is very useful in 
attending to the needful, and may be more so when the 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 639 

things come. I was not a little amused yesterday at 
the old carpenter's mate of the Spartan, who accosted 
me with congratulations, and said, 'Here we are sir, 
laid up together in Greenwich tier ;' thinking, I dare 
say, what lucky fellows we both were to get into such 
a snug berth ; and there is some truth in it too." 

It was in the month of September, 1831, that Sir 
Jahleel took possession of his apartments at Greenwich 
Hospital, with a mind relieved from the dread of 
having relinquished all hopes of active employment, 
and with an earnest desire to devote all the energies 
of his mind and heart to the welfare and improve- 
ment of the establishment. With what zeal he en- 
tered on the duties of his office, and with what 
tender concern he watched over the people committed 
to his charge, the men who were the objects of his 
care, and those who were the associates of his em- 
ployment can testify. It was hardly possible to have 
conceived a man more perfectly fitted for the sit- 
uation which he had to fill at Greenwich ; and the 
old veterans who had either known or heard of his 
character as an officer, and were prepared to receive 
their new Lieutenant Governor with the honour due to 
his gallantry and atchievements, were delighted to find 
the tenderness of a parent exhibited in his considera- 
tion of their wants, and to see the kind cheerfulness of 
a sailor tempered by all the dignity of a Christian in 
his manners and conversation. 

During the period of his office, that excellent esta- 
blishment, the Naval School, was re-organized ; various 
improvements were introduced in the internal economy 



640 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII 

of the Hospital ; libraries were formed for the amusement 
of the inmates in their hours of leisure ; and much was 
done for the amelioration of their general habits. But 
his usefulness was not limited to the precincts of the 
Hospital. Placed as he was at an easy distance from 
the metropolis, he was able to obey many calls of 
benevolence ; and to lend his help to many excellent 
institutions, whether connected'' with the navy or not. 
The Sailors' Home, an establishment which the country 
owes to the devoted and disinterested labours of Cap- 
tain Elliot, and the few who laboured with him ; and 
in which the country has incurred a debt which she 
never will be able to repay ; was from its commence- 
ment an object of the deepest interest to Sir Jahleel 
Brenton ; and his advice, his interest, his assistance, 
as far as his means permitted, were always given, and 
given without reserve to the promoters of the work. 
At the same time, the condition of the seamen belong- 
ing to the port of London, the snares to which they 
were exposed, the treatment that they met with from 
their employers, were the subject of his continued 
thought and exertions. 

Tt was during this period likewise that he was able to 
lend some help to his brother. Captain Edward Brenton, 
in his praiseworthy exertions in behalf of that wretched 
class, the scandal and the plague of our metropolis, — 
the juvenile delinquents ; exertions, to which reference 
has already been made, and which the world seems 
now disposed to estimate more justly than it did at 
first. He attended the last meeting of that association, 
thoudi in a state of licalth which i-cndcrod the effort 



Chap. XTIII. SIE JAHLEEL BRENTON. 641 

very painful; and both he and his brother were at- 
tacked by gout the next day. This attack in Captain 
Brenton's case terminated fatally, and in Sir JahleeFs 
was accompanied with considerable danger and long 
confinement. 

In the year 1833 Sir Jahleel went over to France, 
and passed a fortnigl^t of great enjoyment with his 
sister and brother-in-law at St. Omers. He here had the 
opportunity of retracing the beautiful scenes with 
which he had been familiar in his boyish days, and 
enriched his portfoHo with many interesting sketches. 

The next year he yisited the same beloved relatives 
at Paris, and on that occasion a little circumstance 
occurred, which it seems right to mention, both as 
exhibiting the firmness with which he held his own 
rehgious principles, and the respect paid to that firm- 
ness by an individual who occupies a very important 
place in the history of our times. As his stay in Paris 
lasted some weeks. Sir Jahleel felt it his duty to 
pay his respects to H. M. Louis PhiHppe, whom, as 
Duke of Orleans, he had met in the Mediterranean, 
and with whose mother, the Duchess of Orleans, he 
had been intimately acquainted while Commissioner 
at Port Mahon. It was not the season for pubhc 
presentations, and he therefore communicated his wish 
in a private note addressed to one of the officers of 
state, who had the charge of arranging such inter- 
views ; and the reply fixed the following Sunday 
evening for the time of reception. Sir Jahleel re- 
turned an answer expressing his deep regret that he 
could not obey the summons of His Majesty on that 

2 T 



642 IMEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

day, as it was one which he regarded as sacred, and 
which he invariably devoted to other objects. 

It is gratifying to be able to add the reply which 
this answer obtained, and as the document is in exis- 
tence, it is well to repeat the original of a message, as 
honourable to him who dictated it, as it was to him 
who received it. 

Palais de Neuilly, le 21 Juillet, 1834. 

" Aide de Camp de Service pres du Roi, 

" L'aide de Camp de Service a 1' honneur d'informer 
Monsieur le Centre Amiral Brenton, que le motif, qui I'a 
empecbe de venir hier a Neuilly a ete apprecie par le Roi ; et 
que Sa Majeste 1' y recevra demain Mardi 22 Juillet, a 8 heures 
du Soir." 

At the time thus designated Sir Jahleel presented 
himself at Neuilly. He was received by the King with 
his usual condescension and kindness, and was intro- 
duced to the Queen and the family circle by which he 
was surrounded. 

This interview was soon followed by an invitation to 
dine at the Tuilleries, and the King apparently made 
a point of testifying his respect for the scrupulous 
firmness, with which the honour of his first invitation 
had been dechned. 

During the latter part of Sir Jahleel's residence at 
Greenwich, he took great interest in the Society which 
was formed for the relief of Shipwrecked Mariners, and 
carried on an extensive correspondence on the subject. 
lie likewise wrote and published his Appeal to the 
liritish Nation, on the state of the seamen, with the 



Chap. XYIII SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 643 

intention of creating a feeling for the Sailors' Home 
and the Seamen's Refuge ; and this work was followed 
by a more enlarged and pointed appeal, under the 
title of " The Hope of the Navy." 

The publication of this work led to the following 
letter from the excellent Mrs. Fry, which seems worth 
inserting, as exhibiting the contest in her mind be- 
tween customs which she condemned, and principles 
which she approved of and admired. 

« Upton West Ham, 10, 6, 1840. 
** Dear Friend, 

"I now forward thee the answers from Thomas 
Webber, and shall be much pleased if he can get into the Hospi- 
tal at Greenwich. 

" I feel obliged by thy kind attention to my request. Previous 
to my writing to thee, and thinking of the case of T. "Webber, 
I had written to Nisbet respecting thy book, advising its being 
recommended for our ships of war. Thou knowest most probably 
that my -views are, that pure Christian principle must lead out of 
all war, and bring peace eventually to all mankind ; therefore I 
could not encourage the circulation of any book that promoted 
war. But I think in this the Christian spirit is so much upheld, 
that it will on the whole promote the love of peace on earth, and 
good will to men. 

^^ I think the retirement of the country will be very pleasant to 
Lady Brenton and thyself I hope you will find it useful to you. 

" I remain, 
" With Christian regard and esteem, thy friend, 

"ELIZABETH FRY." 

In these happy occupations, interrupted frequently 
by severe attacks of gout, but always resumed as soon 
as returning strength permitted ; with a mind whicli 



G44 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

watched the progress of events with anxiety, but which 
drew from the faith by which it Hved, a fund of cheer- 
ful and overflowing kindness which nothing could 
repress ; he passed the years of his residence at 
Greenwich. The death of his brother, Captain E. 
Brenton, which took place after a very short illness in 
1839, was a severe blow ; and his own constitu- 
tion weakened by repeated attacks of the same de- 
bilitating malady, led him to think that it might be 
necessary to try change of air, as a palliative or a cure. 
He went for this purpose to try the effect of the 
German baths ; and through Ostend, Brussels, and 
Cologne, reached Wisbaden. The waters at first 
appeared to succeed admirably. His strength and 
spirits revived ; the affectionate relatives with whom 
he was travelling were delighted with his progress, 
and flattered themselves with the hope that he was 
to derive some marked and enduring improvement. 
At this time however his youngest daughter was seized 
with fever, which was pronounced to be typhus ; and 
from that moment, anxiety for her absorbed every 
other feeling. Through the mercy of God her life was 
spared, and the anxious parents were permitted to carry 
back to England the child over which their anxieties 
had been so painfully exercised. The union of intense 
feeling and patient resignation which his conduct on 
this occasion exhibited, struck even those, who had 
been accustomed to see him on previous occasions of 
trial ; and left impressions which it has been their 
delight sub.sc(|uently to recal. 

He reimiicd to England, but shortly after his return 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 645 

was seized with another fit of gout, more severe and 
more tedious than any he had previously endured. 
But even then, his sick-room is described as being the 
abode of patience and of peace ; and when he was not 
actually suffering from severe pain, it was the scene of 
constant cheerfulness. The tenderness of his feelings 
for others overcame all sense of personal suffering, and 
the gratitude which he shewed for every attention 
however trifling, during his illness, was touching to all 
who had anything to do with him. 

With the spring of 1840 he began to recover his 
strength, and the first use he made of that recovery 
was to resume his labours for the good of others, and 
to occupy himself with schemes of benevolence. It 
was obvious however that his strength was no longer 
equal to the exertions he had been accustomed to make. 
The position that he occupied at Greenwich had like- 
wise lost some of its charms, for the promotion which 
took place on the Queen's coronation in 1838, would 
have raised him to the rank of Vice-Admiral, and he 
had indulged the hope, that the promise which was 
made him on accepting the appointment, that his rank 
should go on without the alternative of resignation, 
would have been confirmed. This however was not 
the case, and though the circumstances of his family in- 
duced him to submit to what he regarded as a painful 
degradation, by retaining the office at the sacrifice of 
rank ; it was not without a severe struggle that he 
resigned the hope of active employment, and submitted 
to the conditions imposed on his situation. 

The events which have been previously mentioned 



64 G MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

acted with greater power on a mind which had been 
thus deprived of its chief object through Hfe ; and when 
in 1840, a good service pension became available by 
the death of Sir Sidney Smith ; he determined on 
exchanging his situation at Greenwich for that, and on 
retiring from public life. His first removal was to 
Casterton, near Kirkby Lonsdale, where he occupied 
the Rectory house ; and in that delightful scenery, and 
in the society of the excellent family at the hall, he 
found a retreat such as he had often imagined, but 
perhaps had never met with before. Once settled there, 
he began to enter into the objects of interest with 
which he was surrounded ; and it was hoped that the 
change of air and scene might have had a decided and 
beneficial effect on his health. His mind certainly was 
cheered, and his professional feelings gratified, by a 
letter received at this time from the Lords Commis- 
sioners of the Admiralty, informing him that he had 
been promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral of the 
Blue, and that his name was placed on the list of Flag 
Officers of the fleet, in the order in which it would 
have stood, if he had not been passed over in the pro- 
motion of the 28th June, 1838,. 

His residence at Casterton did not however continue 
beyond the first year. The climate was found too 
humid, and the distance from medical advice was 
severely felt by one, who was subject to sudden and 
severe attacks, and who had been accustomed to the 
advantages connected with Greenwich Hospital. On 
leaving Casterton he took a house at Elford, in Staf- 
fordsliirc, and while residing there, he published the 



Chap. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. G47 

memoir of his much beloved brother, Captain Edward 
Pelham Brenton, which has been already named. He 
explains in the work the motives which led him to 
undertake it. In the year 1840 he also published a 
pamphlet on the importance of the coast fishery, both 
as forming a nursery for seamen, and as opening to our 
increasing population a vast increase of the means of 
subsistence. 

In the midst of these calm and useful occupations 
the love of his profession still retained its power. The 
change of place and prolonged repose appeared to have 
been beneficial to his health ; with returning strength 
his desire for active employment revived ; and his health 
and spirits having been renovated by a visit to Ports- 
mouth, he wrote to the First Lord of the Admiralty, 
and asked for a command. This application would no 
doubt have been complied with, and the last object of 
his ambition attained, had it pleased God to spare his 
life ; but a cold caught early in the spring of the year 
1844 brought on a fit of the gout, from which he never 
rallied ; and under this, his constitution shattered by 
long extended sufi'ering, gradually gave way. In the 
commencement of this illness he expressed his firm 
conviction, that he should not recover ; but those 
around him, who had seen him rally on former occa- 
sions, and felt that all the warmth and energy of his 
earlier years remained unbroken, were unwilling to 
admit his apprehensions, and flattered themselves that 
they arose only from the depressing effects of the 
malady under which he laboured. 

Three days previous to his death, Lady Brenton 



648 MEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

was reading to him the fifty-ninth chapter of Isaiah, 
and it drew from him some strong and striking decla- 
rations of his own state. He dwelt in confession on 
his own unworthiness, but added the expression of his 
firm confidence and lively hope in the merits of his 
Redeemer. He said that he felt that he had nothing 
to plead, nothing to bring forward in his own behalf 
Free undeserved grace was his only hope ; to that he 
looked, and it was on that he rested ; but it was in 
the full assurance of faith that he did so. 

This was his last conversation. From that time he 
dozed almost incessantly, and seemed unwilling to be 
disturbed to take the prescribed medicine. But as 
soon as he perceived that the refusal distressed Lady 
Brenton, who was his constant attendant, he imme- 
diately made the required effort, and expressed his 
regret at having given her pain. On the evening of 
Saturday, April 2nd, his sister, Mrs. John Brenton, 
found him sufficiently awake to converse for a few 
minutes, when he inquired in his usual affectionate 
manner after all the members of the family. He then 
seemed pleased to find that she and Lady Brenton 
were conversing together in his room, and expressed 
the delight he felt at seeing those he loved around 
him. 

He passed a restless night, but the medical report 
in the morning was rather favourable ; indeed it was 
so favourable, that every member of the family except 
Lady Brenton, went to church both morning and 
afternoon. Lady Brenton however during her soHtary 
watching, felt an undcscribablc alarm, for which she 



Chap. XYIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 649 

could not account, except from the constant stupor of 
her husband. Uneasy without being able to explain 
the cause of her uneasiness, she longed for the hour 
when his medical attendants would again visit him. 
Providentially they were with her when the crisis 
came, and they were standing with her by the bed side 
when a sudden spasm came on, and in a moment all 
was over, and the vital spark had fled. 

The narrative of a man's life is his character. It is 
not the Editor's wish to add to this memoir of Sir 
Jahleel Brenton any laboured or detailed description 
of its subject, for he feels, that if his readers have not 
learnt to appreciate the man by his behaviour under 
the various trials which have been included in the 
narrative, it is hardly to be lioped that they should be 
taught it by any other mode of representation. Had 
space permitted, or had it been felt proper to draw 
more largely from his correspondence, something no 
doubt might have been added to the effect produced 
by the story. Sir Jahleel left behind him many papers 
on moral and religious topics, which do equal credit 
to his head and heart, and which are interesting 
evidences of the depth and seriousness of his feelings. 
No one however who has perused the preceding pages 
can doubt of the reality or the soundness of his religious 
principles, and it is unnecessary to multiply evidence 
of a fact, which all are agreed in believing. Some 
regret is experienced in withholding the letters written 
to his family, and the journals kept for their informa- 
tion during his tours on the continent ; for in addition 
to the picture which they give of kind affectionate 



650 MEMOIR OF Chap, XVIII. 

feelings, and playful kindness, they exhibit much 
descriptive talent. But the sacredness of private com- 
munications should never be violated without a cause ; 
and it can hardly be necessar}^ to add a line to the 
numberless instances of affection and regard which 
abound throughout the narrative, in order to strengthen 
the impression as to the character of Sir Jahleel in 
these respects. 

The Editor is happy to add that the First Lord 
of the Admiralty, Lord Haddington, testified his sense 
of the services he had rendered to his country by 
promoting his son-in-law, Mr. Brenton Stewart, at the 
earliest opportunity. If the life then which is now 
submitted to the public is not one of unmixed 
success or prosperity ; if it is chequered by adverse 
circumstances and occasional disappointments of just 
and reasonable hope, it is not the less instructive on 
that account ; while the general result is still such as to 
encourage imitation. The man w^ho serves the w^orld, 
unquestionably, serves a hard master ; and if he looks 
to the w^orld's gratitude for his reward, he will most 
probably be grievously disappointed. But the man 
who serves God, while doing his duty in the world, 
may still expect to meet the blessing of his master 
even in the things of the world. These indeed are not 
the reward he seeks, nor are they the real objects of 
his pursuit ; but in God's overruling providence they 
arc generally given to those whose ways please Him ; 
and they may be thankfully received as tokens of his 
favour, though they do not form tlie portion of His 
children. 

J 



CuAP. XVIII. SIR JAHLEEL BRENTON. 651 

Under other circumstances Sir Jahleel might have 
risen higher in his profession ; his name might have 
occupied a place among the great naval leaders of the 
country ; he might have been called to share in the 
counsels of his sovereign ; and his family might have 
been left in affluence and distinction. But for one who 
rises so high, hundreds fail ; and thousands fall below the 
mark of notice, and live and die unknown. The mea- 
sure of success which Sir Jahleel met with in his profes- 
sion, was perhaps as much as it was safe for man to have ; 
and those who saw the veneration with which he was 
regarded in public, and the love and the affection with 
which he was surrounded at home ; the sense enter- 
tained of his value by those who could appreciate 
his character as an officer, and the regard and esteem 
which his manners and conversation conciliated from 
all ; must have felt that the world had not much to 
add where God had given so largely. 

At all events, death, the great test of what is good 
for man and evil, has now settled the question beyond 
a doubt. If there were disappointments in his course, 
they are forgotten, or only regarded as trials sent in 
mercy, to prove the power of that grace by which they 
were surmounted. If there were sufferings, sorrows, 
afflictions, they are now seen to be means, by which a 
Heavenly Father's love subdued the wandering affec- 
tions of his child, and drew to Himself that heart 
which was not to be given to the creature. 

The very things that seemed to be against him are 
doubtless now felt to have been for him ; and the saint 
in light recognizes the wisdom and the mercy which 



652 IMEMOIR OF Chap. XVIII. 

directed the discipline of the saint on earth. As such, his 
narrative is offered with the more confidence to those, 
who may with reason be urged to take his character 
as their model for imitation ; and the young man who 
enters his profession with the spirit and the mind of 
Sir Jahleel Brenton, may be well content to look 
forward to an old age, cheered as his was, by the 
recollection of past services, and rich in the enjoyment 
of a peace which the world could neither give nor take 
away. 



T. THOMAS, I'UINTEB, EASTGATIi UOW, CIIKSTEK. 



X-270 

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